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Kazan Firm Wins $117 Million Johnson & Johnson’s Talc Baby Powder Verdict

Johnson & Johnson Baby Powder Mesothelioma Trial Team

Pictured: The trial team included Joseph Satterley (left) and Denyse Clancy (right) from Kazan Law and Moshe Maimon (middle) from Levy Konigsberg LLP.

Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood, PC of Oakland, CA announces a $117 million verdict for their clients Stephen and Kendra Lanzo, formerly of Lafayette, CA. A jury this week found that Johnson’s Baby Powder contained asbestos, and that Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. and its supplier Imerys Talc America, Inc. failed to adequately warn consumers of this fact, and further that Johnson & Johnson had a safer alternative design in cornstarch.

The jury awarded the Lanzo’s $37 million dollars as compensation for Stephen Lanzo’s asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, with 70% to Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. and 30% to Imerys Talc America, Inc. The jury also awarded $80 million in punitive damages.

Trial counsel Joe Satterley explained that this historic victory was based on newly revealed confidential documents: “For the first time the jury was allowed to see secret, internal company documents showing that these companies knew that Johnson’s talc Baby Powder contains asbestos. As a result, the jury unanimously found that Johnson’s Baby Powder contained asbestos. Johnson & Johnson should stop selling Johnson’s talc Baby Powder and replace it with cornstarch.”

The confidential company documents also revealed that Johnson & Johnson in 1969 created “Project 101.” Project 101 showed that Johnson’s talc Baby Powder contained asbestos, and that it could cause cancer. Project 101 warned that in “forty years” the company could face litigation. In 1975, Johnson & Johnson’s talc mining subsidiary noted the presence of asbestos in the Vermont talc used in Johnson’s Baby Powder, and warned that it was a “severe health hazard.”

Imerys Talc America, headquartered San Jose, California, is the exclusive talc supplier to Johnson’s Baby Powder in North America. Imerys had also found asbestos in the Vermont talc mines in 1975, yet proceeded to purchase these mines and sell this talc for use in Johnson’s Baby Powder. An internal email revealed that Imerys failed to test the talc supplied for Johnson’s Baby Powder for four years, despite certifying to its customers that it had done so. Imerys’ confidential documents also showed that Imerys fought off regulation of its talc sales by creating “confusion” with the regulatory agencies, and by turning its regulatory efforts into a “game” as set forth on a “License to Market” monopoly board. On this board, a skull and cross bones and “DANGER” were placed next to squares marked “Public perception” and “Litigation.”

The case name is Stephen and Kendra Lanzo v. Johnson & Johnson Consumer, Inc. and Imerys Talc America, Inc. The Lanzo’s were represented at trial by Joseph Satterley and Denyse Clancy of Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood, P.C of Oakland, California and by Moshe Maimon of New York and New Jersey- based Levy Konigsberg, L.L.P.

$10 Million Verdict in Mesothelioma Case for Pipefitter

CertainTeed Corp. Misrepresented and Concealed the Health Risks of Handling and Working with its Product

Mr. Michael Burch was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in May of 2016 when he was 64 years old. A lifelong California resident, he and his wife Cindy raised four daughters and have four grandchildren.

Mr. Burch was exposed to asbestos in the 1970s when he worked as a pipefitter handling asbestos cement (AC) pipe manufactured by CertainTeed. His work involved cutting and beveling AC pipe using various hand tools and a 12-inch abrasive disc saw, which created extremely dusty working conditions. The dust contained the cancer-causing mineral asbestos. Day after day, he unknowingly breathed deadly asbestos dust at work and was never warned that the dust could cause him to contract the incurable disease mesothelioma.

A member of the Laborer’s Union Local 220 and the plumbers and pipefitters union Local 403, Mr. Burch performed underground utility work on water mains, sewer mains, laterals, and gas lines. He worked in mobile home parks in towns throughout California, including mobile home parks in Hayward, Sunnyvale, San Jose, Morgan Hill, Gilroy, Cambria, San Luis Obispo, Pismo Beach, Paso Robles, Valencia, Carson, and Corcoran.

Mr. Burch’s symptoms started with pressure in his chest and shortness of breath. Soon the act of eating intensified his chest pain, and he began to lose weight. Doctors discovered excess fluid around his lungs, and following a biopsy, he was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma.

Kazan Law represented Mr. Burch and obtained a $10 million mesothelioma verdict in a personal injury case against CertainTeed Corporation. The jury found the Company knew the health risks of its product but failed to warn of those risks, and fraudulently misrepresented and intentionally concealed the health risks.

The jury heard evidence that CertainTeed was aware asbestos caused cancer as early as 1962, but did not begin warning about cancer hazards on its pipe until 1985. On the contrary, CertainTeed advertised that its pipe was a “nonharmful use of asbestos” despite its knowledge that this was false.

Why File a California Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

california mesothelioma lawsuit Filing a California mesothelioma lawsuit just became an even more prudent step for you to take thanks to a new California State Supreme Court victory.  That State Supreme Court victory was won by Kazan Law partner Ted Pelletier, we are proud to say. Thanks to this important new court ruling, companies that exposed workers to asbestos can be held liable for other people living in a worker’s home who become sick as a result.

New California Mesothelioma Lawsuit Ruling Helps Families

California mesothelioma lawsuits can now be filed not only for a worker sickened by asbestos exposure but also by a family member who has become ill from secondary asbestos exposure. The family member may have been exposed to asbestos dust brought home on the clothing, hair or tools of someone who worked with asbestos-containing materials.

Kazan Law partner Ted Pelletier successfully argued that employers, all of whom were well aware of the health hazards of asbestos, had a duty to provide protective measures such as showers or locker facilities for changing clothes to prevent workers from binging asbestos home.

Although many years may elapse between the time of asbestos exposure and the onset of mesothelioma, asbestos exposure is the only known cause of mesothelioma. Asbestos dust typically is inhaled through the nose or sometimes the mouth. When it is inhaled it can settle in the lungs and damage the cells of the tissue lining the lungs. This is pleural mesothelioma.  The sharp asbestos fibers can also injure the cells lining the abdominal area and cause peritoneal mesothelioma.  There are other kinds but these are the most common.

Whatever kind of mesothelioma it is, the progress of the disease is slow, irreversible and almost always fatal. The new California State Supreme Court ruling is a great step forward in justice for mesothelioma families. And we at Kazan Law are proud of the part we played. But there are other reasons why it is important to file a California mesothelioma lawsuit.

California’s Favorable Laws Can Help a California Mesothelioma Lawsuit

A California mesothelioma lawsuit can benefit from the high level of expertise that California mesothelioma attorneys have in this highly specialized area of law. Kazan law founding partner Steven Kazan is one of lawyers who helped found modern asbestos litigation in the 1970s. Over decades, lawyers like Steven Kazan have had a major impact on California laws on asbestos cases. They have helped to create a legal climate that tends to be more supportive of asbestos victims with fair laws and substantial jury verdicts.  The California legislature and courts have justified the creation and application of special asbestos rules as a reasonable response to the tragic devastation faced by victims of asbestos exposure.

Because of the support for social justice and sympathy for victims of asbestos exposure, many out-of-state asbestos plaintiffs opt to file a California mesothelioma lawsuit.

In addition, California’s laws are more favorable to mesothelioma plaintiffs than the laws of some other states. Some of the other states with large number of asbestos lawsuits have passed legislation to restrict access to the judicial system for people who have been injured by exposure to asbestos, or limit the damages they can recover or make suing more difficult.

California Mesothelioma Lawsuits Are Fast-Tracked

There’s another advantage for filing a California mesothelioma lawsuit. California is usually at the forefront of states in enacting laws that protect the rights of individuals, especially with respect to health and safety.  This can bode well for the sensitive timing of a mesothelioma lawsuit.

For example, since 2000, some states with a large number of asbestos lawsuits began enacting laws to limit new filings. But not California. As a result, some of the state’s courts have reportedly seen an increase in the number of asbestos lawsuits filed by both in-state and out-of-state claimants in recent years.

In response, California chose not to enact the kinds of laws that now obstruct asbestos lawsuits in other states. Instead our courts have enacted measures to manage large asbestos caseloads by trying to expedite claims by mesothelioma patients. This creates a fast-track approach to scheduling that allows the cases of terminally ill patients to go to trial in 120 days.

Who Can File a California Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

Among the restrictions placed on asbestos litigation by some states are laws that limit or exclude out-of-state residents from filing mesothelioma lawsuits. There are no such restrictions in California. Anyone can file a California mesothelioma lawsuit.

And that is an advantage because a well handled California mesothelioma lawsuit is likely to be more successful and deliver larger verdicts. Even if your California mesothelioma lawsuit settles before going to trial, your settlement may be larger in California. Companies know that a trial in a California court is likely to go against them. This can help motivate them to agree to a more generous settlement.

Also some of the best asbestos law firms in the country like Kazan Law are based in California. Your mesothelioma lawsuit can give you financial stability to comfort you during your illness and provide for your family once you are gone. Where you file – and what law firm you choose to represent you – can make the difference of millions of dollars in the settlement or jury verdict you receive. That is a key reason to file a California mesothelioma lawsuit.

A California Mesothelioma Lawsuit Will Not Require A Lot of Travel

Your location and the expense of travel should not stop you from filing a California mesothelioma lawsuit. When you work with a top asbestos law firm, your lawyer will travel to your location to meet with you. Kazan Law lawyers regularly meet with clients outside California, sometimes traveling across the country to work with clients who have mesothelioma. We understand that you will be better able to help give us the information we need to win your California mesothelioma lawsuit in the comfort of your own home.

So if you or a loved one has mesothelioma, contact us for a free evaluation to see if a California mesothelioma lawsuit is right for you.

Kazan Law’s Asbestos Litigation Landmark Decision

asbestos litigationA landmark asbestos litigation decision that offers justice to victims of secondary asbestos exposure was recently won by Kazan Law in the Supreme Court of California. The victory was won by Kazan Law partner Ted Pelletier. Thanks to this important new court ruling, companies that exposed workers to asbestos can be held liable for exposing people living in a worker’s home who become sick from asbestos the worker unknowingly brought into the home on clothes, hair, tools etc.

Kazan Law is pleased to announce that the state supreme court decision upholds an appeals court decision allowing a suit to proceed against Pneumo Abex, a manufacturer of asbestos brakes. The suit was brought by Johnny Kesner, who was exposed to asbestos dust brought home from the Abex plant by his uncle, a plant employee. But the state supreme court decision will have ramifications beyond this case.

We talked with Ted Pelletier about the state supreme court decision and what it means for asbestos litigation.

What is the significance of this asbestos litigation victory?

Ted Pelletier: This asbestos litigation decision by the Supreme Court of California removes what had been an unwarranted obstacle to genuinely injured people seeking justice in the court system.

This is about helping people who have contracted and are dying of asbestos-caused diseases. It has removed an obstacle for these people. That is really important to note. To hear people opposed to this litigation describe it, they are trying to convince everyone that we are creating new rights; that this is an expansion. In truth all this does is restore California law to what it has long been.

This state supreme court decision doesn’t mean that anyone is automatically liable for anything. It only means that people who were exposed to asbestos have a right to seek justice for their exposure.

Does this state supreme court decision mean this is now a law?

Technically it is an opinion of the Supreme Court of California about an existing state law. In our system the laws are written by the legislative branch. The job of the courts is to interpret the laws. So in this case of asbestos litigation, the California supreme court is interpreting what the legislature has already done.

Over 100 years ago, the legislature enacted a law requiring everyone to act with reasonable care toward one another. The reasonable care law is Civil Code 1714, enacted in 1872. What it means is that we all have to take care of each other and be careful.

If you aren’t careful, and act unreasonably and hurt someone or damage their property, you can be responsible for the damage.

The law says everybody needs to exercise reasonable care so as not to hurt others.

In some states this is part of the court-made “common law,” but in California our legislature intentionally made this law part of the Civil Code. Because our legislature has said this, the courts can’t just decide to change it. Absent some compelling reason, it is up to state legislature to change it.

How does asbestos litigation enter into it?

Ted Pelletier: The California Civil Code says that everyone is supposed to be careful and take care of each other, in the management of their “person” and “property.” So now you take that concept into the world of industry. Pneumo Abex Corporation was a company that made automobile brakes. Asbestos was used in brakes. For a long time, Pneumo Abex knew very well about the dangers involved, but it wasn’t warning people who used or worked with their products. Under the Civil Code, Pneumo Abex was not careful. It exposed people to material it knew was poison.

How did secondary asbestos exposure become part of asbestos litigation?

Ted Pelletier: Asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma develop over ten to 30 years. People exposed to asbestos in the 1950s start getting sick in the 1980s. Around that time, we began to see a rise in illness in people who never worked at places like Pneumo Abex. We began to see it in the wives and kids of people who worked there.

A worker would come home in his dusty clothing and hug his wife and play with his kids. His wife would take his dusty clothing and shake it out and put it in the washing machine. That dust doesn’t go away. That is secondary asbestos exposure. And the sad reality is that you don’t have to be an industrial worker to get sick.

Why did this case go to the state supreme court level?

Ted Pelletier: The state supreme court gets involved when there is a conflict in the lower courts about how a law is interpreted. That is what happened here.

As cases of secondary asbestos exposure came up, companies argued, “We didn’t know we were exposing those people too.” Basically they knew they were poisoning people who worked for them but claimed they did not know they were poisoning more people back home. So they claim they were not acting without reasonable care in these cases.

The businesses say that they are willing to pay damages for their former workers but not for the other people they exposed off the worksite. The businesses say it is too much and it will put them out of business. Some courts around the country have been sympathetic to that, so some states do not allow secondary-exposure cases.

Several years ago, one California appeals court agreed with this position. It said that secondary asbestos exposure is an exception to the Civil Code, and companies can’t be liable to people exposed at home for not being reasonable. The appeals court in our case disagreed, raising a conflict.

Now, the California Supreme Court has ruled in our favor, upholding the Civil Code. The judges ruled that it doesn’t matter whether the exposure took place on the job or at home. These people who have been made ill by careless asbestos exposure deserve justice. And now they will be able to get it.

Do you anticipate a lot of other asbestos litigation cases now for secondary exposure?

Ted Pelletier: Honestly, no. One of the big arguments that the other side made is that this state supreme court decision is going to open up the “floodgates” of litigation and put them out of business. That was their asserted justification for keeping people out of the courts. People are dying of a horrible disease, but they are only worried about their business.

One of the things that the supreme court found compelling in our case was taking a look around the country at how other states have approached this in different ways. Some states are very pro-business, but other states have rejected the defense’s position. And what has happened in those states – Tennessee, New Jersey, Louisiana and Washington – in the last ten years since they allowed secondary-exposure cases to proceed? Nothing. There has been no increase in cases. Nor will there be any increase in California.

How prevalent is secondary asbestos exposure?

Ted Pelletier: For the past ten years, there have been about 2,500 cases of mesothelioma diagnosed annually in the United States. About 10 percent of those are in California. So that means approximately 250 mesothelioma diagnoses in California every year.

Of those 250 mesothelioma cases in California, about seven percent or eight percent involve a secondary or take-home component. Usually people who get mesothelioma worked in industry-related jobs. But a small percentage were exposed through asbestos unknowingly brought home by someone in their household who worked with asbestos. That’s about 20 people a year. It is awful and it is tragic but it is not going to bankrupt any major company or bring down the courts as business interests have implied.

As I said earlier, the state supreme court’s decision simply removes an obstacle to people who are undeniably sick and dying, and their families, to seek justice.

How did you and Kazan Law become involved in this asbestos litigation?

Ted Pelletier: This case was originally filed by another firm. The trial court dismissed the case. It was appealed and pending in the courts. They turned to Kazan Law for help and had me take over the case as lead counsel because I have the expertise needed at this level. I had worked for over 15 years in the appeals courts before joining Kazan Law. I argued the case in the appeals court, then did all the briefing and argument in the state supreme court with the support of my firm – with the support of the whole Kazan firm of course!

To put it simply, when it was time to tee up this big important statewide issue, they came to Kazan Law. We took over as lead counsel brought home this landmark decision. We are very honored to be able to help the victims of this terrible asbestos tragedy.

Congratulations!

Ted Pelletier: Thank you.

What You Need from a Mesothelioma Law Firm

mesothelioma law firm You didn’t choose to develop mesothelioma. That happened because, at some time in your life, one or more negligent corporations exposed you to toxic asbestos. That exposure probably happened many years ago and now it’s dropped like a hundred-pound weight onto your chest. With this unexpected and unwelcome development, you also have a very important job: finding the right mesothelioma law firm to handle your case.

Because mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos, often times due to corporate negligence, the chances are good that you have grounds to file a lawsuit. The result of that lawsuit could millions of dollars in compensation for you and your family. A great mesothelioma law firm increases your chances of recovering a higher amount.

So much else in your life right now is not up to you. Doctor’s appointments and treatment decisions probably fill your days. At the same time, mesothelioma knocks the wind out of you.

But you do have a choice about your mesothelioma law firm and it’s an important one that can make a huge difference to your family’s financial future.

If you’re like most people, you have never hired a lawyer before and you don’t know much about lawsuits and trials, other than what you’ve seen on TV (and, as you probably know, what’s on television doesn’t have much to do with the real legal process). So here is a guide to help you understand what you need from your mesothelioma law firm. Do a little research, ask the right questions up front, and hire the best possible mesothelioma law firm to handle your case. Your mesothelioma lawsuit can make a big difference in how well you are able to provide for your family’s future.

Interview a Mesothelioma Law Firm Without Obligation

Maybe this goes without saying, but you don’t have to hire the first firm you speak to. In fact, if a mesothelioma law firm is pressuring you to sign up with them right away, that could be a red flag.

Some of the firms with the biggest internet presence aren’t really mesothelioma law firms at all. They act as case brokers rather than lawyers. They draw in people with mesothelioma – people like you – with big promises then hand off their cases to other firms in exchange for a commission finder’s fee. This bait and switch is not in your best interest.

Call several mesothelioma law firms and arrange to chat about your case. You don’t have to make any decision while you are on the phone. If you get a good feeling about a firm, go online and do some research. If they have a good reputation and a history of winning large verdicts and settlements in asbestos cases, that could be a good choice.

Read on for some of the questions you may want to ask your mesothelioma law firm during that first conversation.

Mesothelioma Law Firm Experience

Ask the representatives of the mesothelioma law firms you speak to about their personal experience with asbestos lawsuits, about the background of the firm and ask for the names of the lawyers. Then go online and make sure what they told you is correct.

Some firms handle a variety of personal injury cases, including mesothelioma lawsuits. Because asbestos law is very complex and specialized, it’s a good idea to choose a mesothelioma law firm that has a primary focus on asbestos litigation.

Kazan Law, as an example, was founded in 1974, before the first big wave of mesothelioma lawsuits was moving through the courts. Our founding partners have decades of experience in mesothelioma lawsuits and a history of winning high monetary compensation for our clients. All Kazan Law attorneys benefit from this collective wisdom. Our years of work in mesothelioma law have given us expertise and connections that benefit all our clients.

Find out how much asbestos experience your potential mesothelioma law firm brings to your case. Ask what kind of jury verdicts and settlements have they won for their clients. You deserve the firm with the best experience to handle your case.

Don’t Limit Your Mesothelioma Law Firm Search

You can file a mesothelioma lawsuit in a different state from where you live and you can hire a mesothelioma law firm from another state. You aren’t limited by where you lived at the time you were exposed to asbestos, either. This means you can choose from among the best mesothelioma law firms in the country.

In addition, your lawsuit doesn’t have to be filed in the state where you live. At Kazan Law, we have found that the California court system is most receptive to asbestos lawsuits and that is where we file most of our cases.

An out-of-state lawyer may sound expensive and exhausting, but it doesn’t have to be that way. A good mesothelioma law firm – like the one you will pick – will travel to meet with you at your home. Your life revolves around your health right now and a good lawyer will work his or her schedule around yours.

Mesothelioma Law Firm Compensation

A good mesothelioma law firm will take your case with no upfront costs to you. If they are able to get compensation for you, the firm will get paid a portion of the verdict or settlement. This is called a contingency fee. If they aren’t able to win your case for you, you don’t owe any money.

At this moment in your life, your healthcare needs may have put a strain on your family’s finances. Make sure the mesothelioma law firm you hire will relieve this burden, not add to it.

Mesothelioma Law Firm Investigation

One of the most important tasks in building a good case for you in court is the investigation. Your mesothelioma law firm will need to find out where and when you were exposed to asbestos. A good investigation is the foundation of a rock solid case. That solid foundation is more likely to lead to a big settlement for you.

This is why Kazan Law has seven full time investigators. These experienced staff members do nothing but track down the documents and facts that our lawyers need to build the best possible cases for our clients. Our investigators are specialists who continually add to our knowledge database.

Ask your mesothelioma law firm how they will conduct the investigation into your case. Make sure they will handle your lawsuit with the thoroughness it deserves.

Mesothelioma Law Firm Communications

One of the crucial things to look for when you are choosing a mesothelioma law firm is how easy it is to get someone knowledgeable on the phone. If the attorneys or staff are too busy to take the time to talk with you about your case, they may be too busy to give your case the attention it deserves.

Ask how the mesothelioma law firm will handle communications during your case. Let them know that it’s important to you that someone is available to answer your questions within a reasonable time frame.

This is the most important time in your life to be a good consumer. The mesothelioma law firm you pick can make a huge difference to you and your family. It’s a good time to ask the tough questions and make an informed choice.

 

Asbestos Litigation and Veteran Rights

asbestos litigation Asbestos litigation when it comes to veteran rights can be even more complex and confusing than other types of asbestos litigation. That’s because of the additional layers of government regulations and agencies involved when it comes to veterans of our armed forces.  There are approximately 25 million U.S. veterans alive today from both wartime and peacetime duties in all branches of the service. Many were exposed to asbestos during their time in the service and are at risk of developing mesothelioma or another fatal asbestos disease.

While veterans represent 8% of the U.S. population, veterans account for 30% of all known mesothelioma deaths that have occurred in this country!

Ringler Radio Interviews Steven Kazan About Asbestos Litigation

To help clarify the issues surrounding asbestos litigation for veterans, a major leading legal talk radio network, Ringler Radio, presented by Ringler Associates, turned to Steven Kazan.

Steven Kazan, one of the key pioneers in asbestos litigation, is the founding, senior and managing principal of the firm Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood.  A noted international expert on asbestos issues, Steven has successfully represented thousands of asbestos victims. He frequently consults with both court appointed and elected officials and provides guidance to labor organizations on asbestos.

Steven was interviewed by Ringler Radio host Larry Cohen, a principal with Ringler Associates and Manny Valdez Sr., also with Ringler Associates and a Vietnam veteran.  Ringler Radio presents analysis of news, information and legislation on structured legal settlements through Legal Talk Network and as podcasts available on iTunes.

Expert Advice on Asbestos Litigation for Veterans

During the interview, Steven explained how veterans were often exposed to asbestos unknowingly during their service because the companies that made the products used by the military issued no warnings about the danger.

“It’s a real problem for veterans because they have had a lot of exposure,” Steven explained.  “The primary place where veterans were exposed was the U.S. Navy. It also affects the Army and Coast Guard as well as people who worked in the government shipyards.  So it is a very serious problem for anyone who has had military experience.”

When asked about specific cases, Steven highlighted the story of an enlisted soldier in the Army.  After serving 22 years helping to maintain army cars and trucks, he developed mesothelioma.  Kazan Law was able to push his case forward to trial and win financial justice for him.  Another case Mr. Kazan discussed on the air involved a Naval aviator who was a graduate of the U.S. Naval Academy and became the commander of the entire Pacific carrier fleet. He retired as a Rear Admiral but was soon diagnosed with mesothelioma. Kazan Law also obtained compensation for him and his family.

“In the Navy you’re living on ship 24/7 and the entire ship may get contaminated with asbestos dust in the air,” Steven said.  He explained how Kazan Law identifies the source of asbestos exposure, whose asbestos products were involved, and then holds those companies accountable. Although many cases are settled out of court, some cases go to trial. These cases can earn seven figure settlements, with many reaching jury verdicts of over $10 million.

“Our cases that do go to trial tend to produce very good results for our clients in terms of money,” Steven said.  Although he maintained that client settlement amounts are confidential he said, “In 40 plus years we have never represented an asbestos victim who did not recover money. We’ve been very successful at getting compensation for veterans as well as others who have had asbestos disease.”

Steven was commended on the air for “fighting the fight for all of us and especially the veterans.”

Justice Through Asbestos Litigation

Asbestos was used in nearly every branch of the U.S. Armed Forces. The most common risks for asbestos exposure resulted from insulation used in ships and vehicles from the 1930s until the 1970s. Symptoms of illness from asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, do not emerge for decades after the exposure.

It seems unjust that not only did brave members of the armed forces confront gunfire and bombs from enemy attacks and endure harsh living conditions, but years later they also face death from exposure to asbestos in the very ships and aircraft in which they served our country.  This is why asbestos litigation is especially important to achieve justice for veterans.

How Veterans may have been exposed to asbestos

According to the Veterans Administration, veterans who also served in these civilian occupations may have been exposed to asbestos: mining, milling, shipyard work, insulation work, demolition, carpentry and construction, manufacturing and installation of products such as flooring and roofing.

Compensation Benefits for Health Problems

Veterans may file a claim for disability compensation for health problems related to exposure to asbestos during military service. Every veteran also has ‎the right to sue. For a veteran, choosing the best attorney for asbestos litigation is crucial to achieving the highest compensation award possible.

 

3 Ways Mesothelioma Law Can Help You

mesothelioma lawIf you or someone you love has mesothelioma, you are probably exhausted. That’s completely understandable. Between making the rounds to doctor’s appointments, the side effects of medicine and the toll illness can take on your physical and mental energy, you may feel that it’s all you can do just to get up and get through another day. Mesothelioma law – the legal framework that allows you to file a lawsuit against the corporations that caused your disease – may be the last thing on your mind.

The good news is that filing a mesothelioma lawsuit doesn’t have to take a lot of your precious time and energy. A good mesothelioma lawyer will do the bulk of the work to investigate your claim and build your case. And turning to mesothelioma law to seek restitution for your injuries can have benefits that make your effort very worthwhile.

3 Ways Mesothelioma Law Can Help You

  1. Mesothelioma Law Holds Guilty Corporations Accountable

Johns Manville, W.R. Grace, Kaiser, Owens Corning, United States Gypsum, Babcock & Wilcox, Raytech: all these companies have something in common. They have acknowledged that their products and/or work environment exposed people to asbestos, leading to mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. These companies have been sued by so many people that they set up asbestos trust funds to pay current and future mesothelioma victims. Around 70 corporations have set up these funds. This is an example of mesothelioma law in action.

In 1929, when the first worker filed a personal injury lawsuit against the Johns Manville Corporation because the asbestos in the company’s workplace had made him sick, the corporation tried to shrug it off. When a few more workers came forward and filed lawsuits, Johns-Manville fought hard in court. By the early 1970s, when thousands more workers had become sick with mesothelioma and other lung diseases caused by asbestos exposure and sued Johns Manville, it could no longer ignore its responsibility. The corporation was one of the first to file for bankruptcy due to asbestos litigation. The Court mandated that the bankruptcy set aside assets for future mesothelioma victims.

The courage of the first workers who fought David and Goliath battles against huge corporations paved the way for you to make your claim. Plus, the weight of many lawsuits over several decades did the important work of bringing the dangers of asbestos exposure to light.

Because of mesothelioma law, asbestos is banned in more than 50 countries and has been removed from most products. Because of mesothelioma law, standards have been set to protect workers and the environment during asbestos removal. Because of mesothelioma law, corporations know they can no longer ignore the toxic health effects of asbestos in order to turn a quick profit.

Whether you are the first person to sue a manufacturer or your former employer or you join a list of thousands, your mesothelioma lawsuit is important. It is your chance to raise your voice and speak out against the negligence and injustice that caused your illness. Mesothelioma law gives you the chance to protect future generations, by once again sounding the alarm about the dangers of asbestos exposure.

  1. Mesothelioma Law Can Provide Compensation

The most obvious benefit of a lawsuit is monetary recovery. Mesothelioma law gives you the opportunity to demand payment for your pain and suffering and to support your family in a terribly challenging time.

Your health insurance may cover your medical bills, but it won’t pay for your lost wages or for the time off that family members take off work to assist with your care. A financial cushion can help the people you love make it through this difficult time. Mesothelioma law gives you a way to ensure that your family can live comfortably in the future, even after you are gone.

Kazan Law has won verdicts of as much as  $32 million for someone with mesothelioma, often a surviving spouse and family can get more! You owe it to your family to talk to an experienced mesothelioma lawyer about whether it makes sense for you to file a mesothelioma lawsuit.

The large verdicts in mesothelioma cases are also a deterrent to corporations that may be tempted to ignore negative health impacts from their products. The cost of mesothelioma verdicts is a strong incentive to stop using asbestos. Mesothelioma law allows you to hold corporate criminals accountable for their actions and prevent future harm.

  1. Mesothelioma Law Can Help You Give to Others

As mentioned above, mesothelioma verdicts and settlements often involve large sums of money. Once your family’s needs are met, there may be money left over. Mesothelioma law can help you touch the lives of others in one more way: through charitable giving.

Whether your family wants to start its own foundation or you want to make a gift in honor of a loved one to an established mesothelioma charity, a mesothelioma lawsuit can give you the means to contribute and make a difference in the lives of others.

Nonprofits like the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization work hard to warn those at risk for developing mesothelioma and to educate the public about the damage that asbestos exposure can cause to human health.

Nonprofit teaching hospitals are conducting research to pioneer groundbreaking treatments for mesothelioma. Stanford Medicine Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery specializes in mesothelioma care and this prestigious medical school conducts clinical trials that can lead to innovations in mesothelioma healthcare. The Thoracic Oncology Program at the University of California San Francisco Medical School – possibly the best medical school in the United States – has pushed the envelope on surgical and other treatments that offer promise for mesothelioma patients. The University of Chicago Medicine Comprehensive Cancer Center also conducts clinical trials and research to advance mesothelioma treatments. In time, the researchers and doctors at these medical schools and others like them have the potential to find treatments that prolong the lives of mesothelioma patients and could even lead to a cure.

These and other charities support current and future victims of asbestos exposure. Thanks to mesothelioma law, you could have the opportunity to pay it forward and contribute to the search for a cure for mesothelioma.

If you’re still not sure whether mesothelioma law will benefit you, there is one simple thing you can do: contact Kazan Law. There is no charge for your consultation with a Kazan Law attorney and you can find out what it would take to file a mesothelioma lawsuit and recover compensation for your illness. It could be the most momentous financial step you will take in your life.

Mesothelioma Attorneys Pioneering Asbestos Litigation

mesothelioma attorneysMesothelioma attorneys are not all the same. Some mesothelioma attorneys are very experienced and knowledgeable. Others sadly are unscrupulous and out to profit from someone else’s tragic circumstances. They will settle a case quickly just to get their fee. Still other mesothelioma attorneys may be well-intended but inexperienced and inept. Asbestos litigation is a very intricate and detailed legal niche.

What if you could have the mesothelioma attorneys who pioneered asbestos litigation handle your case?  It would be like having Bill Gates install your computer’s software or Mark Zuckerberg create your Facebook page. While those two are unlikely to be available, it is really possible for you to have the mesothelioma attorneys who helped invent mesothelioma law, from the beginning, handle your case. You can be represented by Kazan Law.

Mesothelioma Attorneys with The Most Asbestos Case Experience

The founding partner of Kazan Law pioneered asbestos litigation over 40 years ago.  Today Steven Kazan is acknowledged as a leading global expert on asbestos law whose knowledge and skill continue to define this area of litigation.

Since the firm was founded by Steven Kazan in 1974, Kazan, McClain, Satterley & Greenwood, A Professional Law Corporation, has represented hundreds of people suffering from mesothelioma. They have won landmark victories and settlements totaling hundreds of millions of dollars for their clients. They have also achieved precedent-setting verdicts that have changed the way asbestos law cases are determined.

Today Kazan Law has grown to include 22 full-time mesothelioma attorneys.  But Steven Kazan, and his  partners at Kazan Law, still personally oversee every asbestos case the firm takes on. They remain as dedicated to obtaining justice for innocent working people whose lives have been jeopardized by callous profit-seeking companies as they were when they took on some of the first asbestos cases. Asbestos litigation at its best is about standing up for the rights of the little guy against big powerful corporate interests. And that is the kind of asbestos litigation expertly practiced by the mesothelioma attorneys at Kazan Law. They understand instinctively what to do because after all they were the ones who helped create asbestos litigation.

How Mesothelioma Attorneys Pioneered Asbestos Litigation

Over 40 years ago, many of the workers at the Johns-Manville plant in Lompoc, California were sick and dying.  Workers were upset about losing people they had worked with for many years. The labor union representative collected death certificates of all those who had died in the last five years and wrote a letter to someone he thought could help them.  That someone was Steven Kazan.

That was in 1974. Telephones were attached to walls, a computer took up an entire room and companies that produced asbestos-containing products were getting away with murder. Employees exposed to asbestos at work were dying from asbestosis and mesothelioma without their employers being held accountable.

In Oakland, California, at that time, Steven Kazan, a recent Harvard Law School graduate, had just started his law practice. He was already known for litigating complex medical and scientific issues, and had worked with an attorney who was trying to get workers compensation benefits for some of the men from the Pittsburg, California Johns Manville asbestos products plant.

Then, in 1974, Mr. Kazan was asked to take on litigating the civil lawsuits for those workers.  He won a precedent-setting suit for Reba Rudkin, who had developed asbestosis after 29 years of working at the Johns-Manville plant in Pittsburg, California. After winning this landmark case, he represented over 100 asbestos-affected workers from the same company.

In 1982, he won a $150,000 verdict for Bob Speake, one of the Johns-Manville workers, in a test case trial ordered by the Superior Court in Contra Costa County, CA.  This case is regarded as a “threshold verdict” because it created the opportunity for punitive damage verdicts against Johns-Manville. Months later, just as Steven Kazan was getting ready to go to settlement conferences on a large group of those cases, Johns –Manville filed for bankruptcy court protection. Steven had 393 cases pending against the company which he resolved with the trust fund set up as a result  of that bankruptcy.

Today Kazan Law is still headquartered in Oakland California. The firm’s mesothelioma attorneys continue to excel at pursuing justice for mesothelioma victims and others exposed to asbestos.  Kazan Law daily puts its 40 plus years of experience in pioneering asbestos lawsuits and setting precedents to work for its clients.

Kazan Law has remained at the forefront of asbestos litigation in California and nationally.  Kazan Law is proud of its history as pioneers in asbestos litigation. But as mesothelioma attorneys who are among the most experienced mesothelioma lawyers in the United States, we do not dwell in the past – we continue to win major settlements for our clients.

Mesothelioma Attorneys at Kazan Law Have the Expertise to Win Major Verdicts

Today well into the 21st century, Kazan Law’s dedication to legal excellence and justice for asbestos victims continues to result in major verdicts.  These verdicts gain Kazan Law recognition in the legal profession among their peers in the United States and throughout the world. A brief list of some of the verdicts won by Kazan Law:

  • $48 Million Verdict: Won by a former construction worker vs. the Union Carbide Corporation —this 2012 verdict was nationally recognized as the highest mesothelioma verdict on record for the year.
  • $27 Million Verdict: Against Owens-Illinois in a lawsuit filed by the former wife of a pipe insulator.
  • $11 Million Verdict: Won against Pneumo Abex  , Inc. in a wrongful death suit filed by the family of an automobile parts worker. This came after a separate $13 million award in the family’s personal injury suit.

As many activists and professionals throughout the world continue to fight for a global ban of asbestos, victims of asbestos exposure continue to contract mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases. For these people a chance to hold accountable those companies that exposed them to asbestos, pay for mounting medical bills, and provide for their families futures in the wake of their certain passing is motivation enough to seek the best and brightest asbestos litigators in the country. See what asbestos pioneers Kazan Law can do to help you and your family.

 

 

 

 

Choosing a Mesothelioma Attorney

mesothelioma attorneyThe mesothelioma attorney you choose should be someone whose reputation and experience inspires you with confidence and the people you sue with fear. But it should also be someone with whom you feel comfortable and with whom you will be able to easily talk about your situation. At Kazan Law, we have over 40 years of experience helping mesothelioma patients and their families.

Our firm helped pioneer asbestos law as it exists today. But we never forget that behind the laws and legal briefs are innocent people who are suffering because of wrongs done to them. We believe that every case is unique and all mesothelioma patients and their families deserve to be listened to and helped in any way possible. Work With a

Mesothelioma Attorney Who Listens to You

When mesothelioma symptoms have emerged and a mesothelioma diagnosis is received, that usually means that the illness is advanced and time is of the essence.  Timing is especially critical when it comes to presenting a legal case, because even the best-handled legal case can take time.  In addition to legal expertise in mesothelioma and asbestos, a good mesothelioma attorney knows a great deal about the disease itself.

At Kazan Law, we understand the challenges that you and your family face following diagnosis with an asbestos-related illness.  We also are sensitive to your need to focus on your treatment, and, protect your time with loved ones. At the same time, we also know that it is important for all involved to file your claim and gather evidence as soon as possible.  We take care of as much as possible to move your case forward while helping you to optimize your time so you can take care of yourself and be with your family instead of in a law office.

  • We come to you. You do not need to travel to us.
  • We do all the research. You focus on taking care of yourself and your family.
  • We arrange medical liens so you get all the care you need now.
  • We review all your medical bills to make sure you are not overcharged.

A Mesothelioma Attorney with Experience Makes a Difference

Asbestos law is an  intensive practice area focusing exclusively on asbestos-related disease, typically caused by occupational exposure or military service. The laws and rules regarding winning a lawsuit are complicated. Only an expert mesothelioma attorney has the experience and knowledge necessary to handle your case and secure the justice and compensation you deserve. You and your family are entitled to nothing less than the best.

At Kazan Law, we not only know asbestos law, we helped invent it. When founding partner Steven Kazan started his practice in 1974, there was no such thing as asbestos law.  There was no such thing as a mesothelioma attorney. Workers who died of mesothelioma were considered unlucky and their employers were not held responsible. As Steven Kazan began helping with workers compensation cases, he took on some of the first civil lawsuits ever filed against companies for intentionally causing fatal asbestos exposure to their workers. And he won.

Steven Kazan’s victory for the workers from the Johns-Manville plant in Pittsburg, CA is regarded as a “threshold verdict”. It created the opportunity for punitive damage verdicts against Johns-Manville and many other companies throughout the United States and the world. Kazan eventually had 393 cases pending against Johns-Manville. Although Johns-Manville lawyers could not pretend the company was innocent, they found a way to pay less to victims. They filed for bankruptcy, one of the first companies to do so as a result of asbestos litigation, and created a trust fund from which each victim would be paid a reduced amount.

A Mesothelioma Attorney Whose Advice is Sought by the US Government

As a pioneering mesothelioma attorney, Steven’s advice and experience have made him sought after by federal courts and government agencies trying to regulate corporate trust funds for asbestos victims. He is always willing to dedicate his time and wisdom to try to make sure that the interests of asbestos victims are represented in these bankruptcy reorganizations.

Steven has been appointed by the U.S. Bankruptcy Court to serve as a member or as counsel to victim members for all major asbestos bankruptcy reorganizations, including W.R. Grace, Kaiser Aluminum, Owens Corning, Fibreboard, U.S. Gypsum, General Motors, and many others.

Whenever a bankruptcy reorganization is approved, Steven is the key mesothelioma attorney in the U.S. nearly always approved by the Federal Court to serve as a member of The Trustees’ Advisory Committee on behalf of asbestos victims.

Mesothelioma Attorneys Who Win Top Settlements

As a mesothelioma attorney of historical prominence with over four decades of experience in mesothelioma law, Steven Kazan today heads a firm of 22 fulltime mesothelioma attorneys. Steven Kazan continues to be rated as one of the U.S.’s Super Lawyers along with six of his partners and associates; and the firm receives top accolades for the victories they win for mesothelioma victims.

In 2014, Kazan Law received first place for highest wrongful death verdict amount in California. This recognition was given by the California legal profession’s top publication The Recorder in its annual review of top verdicts. The $11,800,000 wrongful death verdict followed a $9 million verdict Kazan Law won the family for punitive damages for a total of $20,800,000.

Choose A Mesothelioma Attorney Who Strives to Make the World a Better Place

Any good mesothelioma attorney should also contribute to helping to find a cure for mesothelioma. We have seen close up thousands of times the toll mesothelioma takes on individuals and families.  Kazan Law has its own foundation set up for that purpose. Over the last 20 years we have given over $20 million in grants to a wide array of community and civic organizations, including $6 million for mesothelioma research. This is one way we are giving back to the community of mesothelioma patients and families whose rights we fight for as asbestos litigation attorneys.

We also believe in giving back to the community our law practice calls home as well as communities all across the US by supporting programs that help provide relief to the poor, distressed or under-privileged everywhere.

Another way we try to help is by having a top mesothelioma attorney on our staff work full-time on better laws to protect workers.  Frances Schreiberg, who has many decades of experience, works with unions for free to get CalOsha and the California legislature to try to eliminate the workplace hazards that lead to mesothelioma and other causes of injury and death.

 

When Should I File a Mesothelioma Lawsuit?

mesothelioma lawsuitFiling a mesothelioma lawsuit should be a priority for you and your family if you are reading this.  When you receive a mesothelioma diagnosis, it is because you worked with asbestos or because you lived with someone who worked with asbestos. That means you’ve got a good chance of winning a large amount of money in damages in a mesothelioma lawsuit.  Timing is critical. Mesothelioma is a fast-moving disease. Court systems can move slowly. You will need an experienced asbestos lawyer to help you get compensation from the companies that manufactured or installed the asbestos materials you were exposed to.

Best Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timing Improves Chances of Winning

Filing a mesothelioma lawsuit should be done as soon as a mesothelioma diagnosis can be verified.  A mesothelioma diagnosis, verifying the fact that you or a loved one has mesothelioma, is the key piece of evidence of harm from asbestos exposure.  Without it, you might risk wasting your time and possibly your money for unnecessary court fees. Knowing that you have been exposed to asbestos is upsetting but it is not sufficient grounds to file an asbestos lawsuit. A lawyer who tells you otherwise is not telling you the truth.

If you have been exposed to asbestos, but have not been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos disease, we recommend that you:

  • Monitor your health carefully
  • Tell your doctor that you have been exposed to asbestos
  • Seek medical attention promptly if you feel unwell
  • Be aware that mesothelioma symptoms can seem like flu symptoms
  • Find out more about asbestos-related diseases and their symptoms

A Mesothelioma Lawsuit Requires a Medical Diagnosis

To help you win a mesothelioma lawsuit as quickly as possible, even the best attorney needs solid evidence on your behalf.  A lawsuit cannot be filed without vital information that only you can provide.  Getting this information pulled together ahead of time will help a good mesothelioma lawyer know you have a solid case and enable them to move swiftly on your behalf.

Because mesothelioma symptoms such as fatigue, shortness of breath and coughing can be similar to symptoms of other illnesses such as a flu or bronchitis, it is important to be persistent in seeking a diagnosis. If your doctor is dismissive of you, seek another opinion as soon as possible.  A firm mesothelioma diagnosis that will stand up in court will require lab test results. You need to see a physician who knows what lab tests are needed and will order them for you.

You need to provide several pieces of information to verify that you are suffering from mesothelioma. Be prepared to provide the:

  • Date and place of your diagnosis
  • Name and number of physician who diagnosed you Pathology report, chest X-ray reports, CT-chest reports which your physician can give you

This is the cornerstone you need to start a mesothelioma lawsuit. And if you can’t have these reports a good mesothelioma lawyer can get them with your permission, but that takes extra time. The information below is also necessary but it is information your mesothelioma lawyer can help acquire after you have filed a mesothelioma lawsuit.

Mesothelioma Lawsuit Needs Employment History to Move Forward

If you have received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, it is time to call a lawyer. Mesothelioma is not genetic.  It is not caused by risky behavior like smoking.  You receive a mesothelioma diagnosis because someone else chose to put you and your family at risk by exposing you to asbestos.

In your mesothelioma lawsuit, you need to prove that you developed mesothelioma because you or someone in your family was exposed to asbestos at work or in the military.  Below is work history information that will be needed. If you cannot provide this information, don’t worry.  Part of what a good mesothelioma attorney can do is all of the investigative work needed to find out this information. It is called the “discovery” part of a lawsuit. However it will help your mesothelioma lawsuit proceed more quickly if you can provide:

  • The name of the company or companies you worked for. If any company has been sold to another company, try to find out that name, too.
  • The dates you worked for each company – when you started and when you stopped. Try to find and make copies of tax returns or W2 forms that support those dates.
  • The names of products and materials you handled as part of your job.
  • Your job title and specific job duties and job site locations.

If you do not remember the names of the products or have your old tax returns, your mesothelioma lawyer can put together this information for you.  But even the best mesothelioma lawyers like the best detectives, need clues to work with, so gather up these documents if you can:

  • Marriage, death, birth certificates
  • Health insurance cards, Medicare cards
  • Social Security records (detailed earnings with employer names)
  • Job resumes or job summary/timeline
  • Military: DD214, other documents

Statute of Limitations and Mesothelioma Lawsuit Timing

A statute of limitations sets legal deadlines for filing a lawsuit. Most lawsuits need to be filed within a certain amount of time. Once the period allowed for a statute of limitations passes, your time is up and you no longer have a valid legal claim.

In California time is critical so get the best mesothelioma lawyer you can find, as quickly as you can; you normally have one year to file a mesothelioma lawsuit from the date of your diagnosis. However, unlike in other states you do not need to know at the time you file your mesothelioma lawsuit who is responsible.  This can help you move forward with a mesothelioma lawsuits before the statute of limitations time period ends.

 

 

 

 

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