Weitz & Luxenberg Reflects on Landmark Asbestos Trial

NEW YORK, Aug. 7, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- When asked how he felt about his firm securing a $190-million verdict for five mesothelioma victims this July, Weitz & Luxenberg attorney Danny Kraft Jr. replied, "Fantastic. Justice has been done."

The verdict was the largest of its kind in New York history (watch the video here). Two of the Weitz & Luxenberg clients were each awarded $60 million, tying the state's largest individual asbestos verdict ever.

Kraft, who argued the case alongside Weitz & Luxenberg mesothelioma attorneys Daniel Blouin and Adam Cooper, was especially pleased with the verdict because the two defendants were found not only negligent, but also reckless. Their negligence caused the five plaintiffs to contract mesothelioma.

The only known cause of mesothelioma cancer is exposure to asbestos. The defendant corporations manufactured boilers with asbestos, without issuing any sort of warning about the dangers of the products. Only two of the men survived to the trial.

"These cases represent human tragedies and they're so tragic because they could have been prevented. Had these companies done the right things, these people could be healthy at home with their families."

Kraft explained that while he is tremendously proud of the work he and his colleagues accomplished, the victory doesn't belong to them alone. "All of Weitz & Luxenberg shares in this verdict."

The trial was the product of a year and a half of research and preparation by the attorneys as well as a team of paralegals, researchers and writers. "We work as a very tight, very cohesive group," said Blouin. "Few firms have the sort of resources required for trial on this kind of scale. We had multiple expert witnesses: doctors, historians, medical researchers. We have the capabilities to do that."

Cooper elaborated that in order to win cases like this one only the greatest commitment and dedication will do. "The joint trial preparation required in New York City cases is monumental."

"The significance of this trial for Weitz & Luxenberg is only outshone by the impact it will have on the five clients represented by the firm," said Kraft. "The success of this trial isn't just about the money. It's about giving these men peace of mind. Our clients may not be around for much longer, but they know that long after they are gone, their families will be well provided-for. That is something we can be very proud of."

The five lawsuits (Index Nos. 190008/12, 190026/12, 190200/12, 190183/12, 190184/12) were filed in New York Supreme Court and held before Judge Joan Madden.

About Weitz & Luxenberg
Founded in 1986 by attorneys Perry Weitz and Arthur Luxenberg, Weitz & Luxenberg, P.C., today ranks among the nation's leading law firms. Weitz & Luxenberg's numerous litigation areas include: mesothelioma, defective medicine and devices, environmental pollutants, accidents, personal injury, and medical malpractice. Victims of accidents are invited to rely on Weitz & Luxenberg's more than 25 years of handling such cases – begin by contacting the firm's Client Relations department at 1-800-476-6070 or at [email protected] and ask for a free legal consultation. For more information, visit Weitz & Luxenberg at http://www.weitzlux.com.

Media Contact:
Weitz & Luxenberg P.C.
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