California-based attorney Patrick DeBlase represents people who have been diagnosed with mesothelioma."There are between 2500 and 3000 new cases of asbestos mesothelioma per year in the US," DeBlase says. "People typically die within 6-18 months of diagnosis. There are people who live longer, but in general, that's the reality.
“Companies have known about the health issues associated with asbestos since the 1920s and even earlier. Epidemiologists knew conclusively by 1955 that asbestos causes cancer. Then in 1960, a comprehensive paper was published by a man named Wagner from South Africa who showed that asbestos causes very a rare disease called mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung."
How Much Asbestos Exposure Is Considered Dangerous?
"Mesothelioma doesn't require extended exposure to asbestos," DeBlase says. "In fact, there is no established level below which asbestos exposure is considered safe. Suffice to say the more exposure you have to asbestos, the more you risk developing an asbestos-related disease. Everyone has their own individual risk level."
Asbestos exposure usually occurs at work or in the community, or as a result of what is called 'take home exposure,' when people come into contact with contaminated clothing or other objects belonging to family members or friends. "This is widely known and documented, and we see a lot of it," DeBlase says. "When you shake out clothing and see dust, you're looking at millions and millions of asbestos fibers. I have tried several cases where the wives have contracted asbestos mesothelioma and the husbands haven’t."
Those who suffer the greatest exposure to asbestos tend to work in heavy industry or infrastructure-related areas. Brake mechanics are at high risk, as are people who spray applications of fire-retardant materials and textured plaster for ceilings and stucco. Construction workers also frequently use pipe insulation and joint compounds that fill cracks in plywood sheeting. "There are literally hundreds, if not thousands, of products that contain asbestos," DeBlase explains. "You'll find a lot of cases of mesothelioma around refineries, construction, and naval shipyards. California has a lot of cases. I know that San Francisco and Los Angeles are two hubs, and Alameda is a third to a lesser extent."
The latency period for asbestos mesothelioma is usually between 20 and 60 years, so it can be difficult to pinpoint where or when a person was exposed, particularly if he or she has worked around asbestos over a period of years and for different companies.
"In many jurisdictions, the law says you don't have to show which fiber started the disease process," says Len Jacoby, a partner with the national law firm Jacoby & Meyers, and who also specializes in asbestos litigation. "What you have to show is that the exposure was a substantial contributing factor in increasing the risk for developing the disease."
Source
Monday, December 28, 2009
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
CALIFORNIA MAN INDICTED FOR ISSUING FRAUDULENT ASBESTOS CERTIFICATIONS
The U.S. Attorney’s Office in San Francisco, California has charged Rogelio Lowe of E&D Environmental Safety Training, Inc. with scheming to defraud employers by issuing certificates to asbestos removal workers without providing them with the proper training and charging their employers for the full cost of the training. Asbestos is a toxic substance that is covered by federal laws prohibiting its removal from schools, public buildings and commercial buildings by anyone not trained under a program approved by either the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) or an accredited state program.
In order for asbestos workers to become certified, they must complete, at minimum, a four-day training course of eight hours per day. The 32-hour course must include at least 14 hours of hands-on training, lectures, demonstrations and individual respirator fit testing. Students must pass a closed-book examination in order to receive their certificates and take an annual refresher course afterward. Proper training is necessary in order to protect the health of both the asbestos workers and the community. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to a number of serious illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that targets the lining of the chest and abdomen.
Per the indictment, Lowe’s asbestos certification training course did not comply with federal law. The course was not taught for the required number of hours, sometimes holding classes that lasted for fewer than 30 minutes. He also provided answers for the closed-book exams and forged examinations for students who did not attend on test day. Lowe then issued certificates to his students and charged their employers the full cost. The indictment alleges that Lowe also submitted class rosters to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health that indicated the students had successfully completed the training and passed their exams, even though he knew they had not.
Source
In order for asbestos workers to become certified, they must complete, at minimum, a four-day training course of eight hours per day. The 32-hour course must include at least 14 hours of hands-on training, lectures, demonstrations and individual respirator fit testing. Students must pass a closed-book examination in order to receive their certificates and take an annual refresher course afterward. Proper training is necessary in order to protect the health of both the asbestos workers and the community. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. Inhaling asbestos fibers can lead to a number of serious illnesses like lung cancer and mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer that targets the lining of the chest and abdomen.
Per the indictment, Lowe’s asbestos certification training course did not comply with federal law. The course was not taught for the required number of hours, sometimes holding classes that lasted for fewer than 30 minutes. He also provided answers for the closed-book exams and forged examinations for students who did not attend on test day. Lowe then issued certificates to his students and charged their employers the full cost. The indictment alleges that Lowe also submitted class rosters to the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health that indicated the students had successfully completed the training and passed their exams, even though he knew they had not.
Source
Saturday, November 28, 2009
Decorated Trial Attorney Conard Metcalf Joins Simmons Firm as 'Of Counsel'
The Simmons firm, a leading national law firm in the fight against mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, announced today that Conard Metcalf, one of the foremost trial attorneys in the country, has joined the firm as "Of Counsel."
Metcalf has tried dozens of asbestos cancer cases since the late 1970s. He has successfully represented many men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, as well as other occupational diseases and toxic injuries.
"The Simmons firm is very fortunate to retain Mr. Metcalf's 'Of Counsel' services," Chairman and CEO John Simmons said. "Mr. Metcalf is widely respected in both the plaintiff's and defense bar for his knowledge of asbestos-related medicine and literature. We look forward to working with Mr. Metcalf, who will be an invaluable resource as we continue to commit ourselves to the needs of our clients inside and outside the courtroom."
Metcalf has been practicing law for more than 30 years. He received his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1972, where he was a member of the Law Review. In 1973, he received a Masters of Law degree from Columbia University in New York City. Today he is frequently sought after as a speaker about asbestos-related diseases at medical conferences and legal seminars around the country.
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and other asbestos-related diseases kill approximately 10,000 people each year. Since 1999, the Simmons firm has helped thousands of families from every state in the country, including obtaining a $250 million verdict on behalf of a U.S. steel worker - the single largest asbestos verdict in the United States.
"The Simmons firm began with a focus to provide representation to victims suffering from what were and are preventable, life-ending illnesses," Metcalf said. "I'm pleased to join the firm as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Simmons firm has accomplished much for thousands of clients and has been a champion in fundraising and research. But much work remains."
The Simmons firm also is a leading national advocate in raising public awareness and funds for research to find better care, and, ultimately, a cure, for mesothelioma. The firm has pledged more than $20 million to charitable causes, including $15 million to cancer research, $10 million of which helped build the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University in Springfield.
"We will continue to fight for the rights of victims of asbestos-related diseases and their families," said Managing Partner Michael Angelides. "And we're happy to call Mr. Metcalf our colleague in this endeavor."
Metcalf has published articles about occupational diseases in several legal journals and belongs to a number of organizations, including the International Society of Barristers, which invites lawyers with demonstrated expertise as trial lawyers to be members. He is a founding member of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, a national organization of trial lawyers representing people whose causes involve important issues of justice and fairness. Metcalf also wrote the brief on behalf of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America that was filed in the United States Supreme Court in the important asbestos case of Edwards v. Celotex.
Source
Metcalf has tried dozens of asbestos cancer cases since the late 1970s. He has successfully represented many men and women diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, including asbestosis, as well as other occupational diseases and toxic injuries.
"The Simmons firm is very fortunate to retain Mr. Metcalf's 'Of Counsel' services," Chairman and CEO John Simmons said. "Mr. Metcalf is widely respected in both the plaintiff's and defense bar for his knowledge of asbestos-related medicine and literature. We look forward to working with Mr. Metcalf, who will be an invaluable resource as we continue to commit ourselves to the needs of our clients inside and outside the courtroom."
Metcalf has been practicing law for more than 30 years. He received his law degree from the University of Colorado in 1972, where he was a member of the Law Review. In 1973, he received a Masters of Law degree from Columbia University in New York City. Today he is frequently sought after as a speaker about asbestos-related diseases at medical conferences and legal seminars around the country.
Mesothelioma, a rare cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, and other asbestos-related diseases kill approximately 10,000 people each year. Since 1999, the Simmons firm has helped thousands of families from every state in the country, including obtaining a $250 million verdict on behalf of a U.S. steel worker - the single largest asbestos verdict in the United States.
"The Simmons firm began with a focus to provide representation to victims suffering from what were and are preventable, life-ending illnesses," Metcalf said. "I'm pleased to join the firm as it celebrates its 10th anniversary. The Simmons firm has accomplished much for thousands of clients and has been a champion in fundraising and research. But much work remains."
The Simmons firm also is a leading national advocate in raising public awareness and funds for research to find better care, and, ultimately, a cure, for mesothelioma. The firm has pledged more than $20 million to charitable causes, including $15 million to cancer research, $10 million of which helped build the SimmonsCooper Cancer Institute at Southern Illinois University in Springfield.
"We will continue to fight for the rights of victims of asbestos-related diseases and their families," said Managing Partner Michael Angelides. "And we're happy to call Mr. Metcalf our colleague in this endeavor."
Metcalf has published articles about occupational diseases in several legal journals and belongs to a number of organizations, including the International Society of Barristers, which invites lawyers with demonstrated expertise as trial lawyers to be members. He is a founding member of Trial Lawyers for Public Justice, a national organization of trial lawyers representing people whose causes involve important issues of justice and fairness. Metcalf also wrote the brief on behalf of the Association of Trial Lawyers of America that was filed in the United States Supreme Court in the important asbestos case of Edwards v. Celotex.
Source
Sunday, November 15, 2009
Simmons Employee Foundation 5th annual charity golf tournament
EAST ALTON, Ill. -- Simmons Employee Foundation, the law firm's non-profit organization dedicated to giving back to local communities, is holding its 5th annual charity golf tournament on September 18. The four-man scramble will be held at the Sunset Hills golf course in Edwardsville, Illinois. One-hundred percent of the net proceeds from the tournament will benefit local charity H.I.S. K.I.D.S., an organization dedicated to helping patients and families affected by childhood cancer.
The golf tournament will consist of two sessions, one at 8:00 and another at 1:30. The cost is $100 per person, or $400 per foursome, with an optional skins game. Mulligans may also be purchased. The prizes include cash for the first- and second-place teams in each of three flights. The tournament also offers three levels of game-play sponsorship as well as hole sponsorship.
About H.I.S. K.I.D.S.
H.I.S. K.I.D.S. (Happiness is Serving Kids in Distress Situations) is a non-profit organization founded by Jim and Connie Miles in 1984 following the death of their eleven-year-old daughter, Marcia, to cancer. There is no other organization serving children with cancer and their families in the same way that H.I.S. K.I.D.S. does. Each year, H.I.S. K.I.D.S. programs and services are offered to 2,000 seriously ill children and family members in its Midwest and Florida regions combined. Every possible means is used to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support as well as emergency assistance to the families of children with cancer and related illnesses. All services and programs are provided at no charge and without regard to race, creed, color or financial ability.
The golf tournament will consist of two sessions, one at 8:00 and another at 1:30. The cost is $100 per person, or $400 per foursome, with an optional skins game. Mulligans may also be purchased. The prizes include cash for the first- and second-place teams in each of three flights. The tournament also offers three levels of game-play sponsorship as well as hole sponsorship.
About H.I.S. K.I.D.S.
H.I.S. K.I.D.S. (Happiness is Serving Kids in Distress Situations) is a non-profit organization founded by Jim and Connie Miles in 1984 following the death of their eleven-year-old daughter, Marcia, to cancer. There is no other organization serving children with cancer and their families in the same way that H.I.S. K.I.D.S. does. Each year, H.I.S. K.I.D.S. programs and services are offered to 2,000 seriously ill children and family members in its Midwest and Florida regions combined. Every possible means is used to provide emotional, physical and spiritual support as well as emergency assistance to the families of children with cancer and related illnesses. All services and programs are provided at no charge and without regard to race, creed, color or financial ability.
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
WORLD WAR II VETERAN DIES OF MESOTHELIOMA
Delbert Edwin Montoure was diagnosed with mesothelioma seven years ago. He died of complications from the asbestos-related cancer on August 8, 2009. Montoure served with the U.S. Army Infantry during World War II. His military decorations included the Good Conduct Medal, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Stars, the Asiatic Pacific Campaign Medal and the World War II Victory Medal.After World War II, Montoure found work as an apprentice with the Sheet Metal Workers Union. He later started Empire Sheet Metal, a successful heating and cooling business in Santa Rosa, California. Baron & Budd attorneys reported the risk of asbestos exposure from HVAC equipment.
Montoure retired at age 50 to travel with his wife, who died in January 2000. When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he moved in with his sister-in-law who served as his caregiver for the rest of his life.
Montoure retired at age 50 to travel with his wife, who died in January 2000. When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, he moved in with his sister-in-law who served as his caregiver for the rest of his life.
Thursday, October 15, 2009
Clean Up Plans Interrupted By Asbestos Concerns
An asbestos inspection has been ordered for a demolition site in Cedar Glen.
Mesothelioma Cancer News (Cedar Glen, California) – Workers at a demolition site in Cedar Glen have recently been notified that they are required to check the site for asbestos before proceeding. As reported by the San Bernardino Sun, the South Coast Air Quality Management District stated that an asbestos check is required despite the view that the toxic material will likely not be found.
Sam Atwood, a spokesman for AQMD, is quoted in the report as stating, “The property owner has to arrange for an asbestos site survey.” A fire in October 2003 destroyed hundreds of homes in the community, which led to officials ordering clearance of the remains. Cleanup plans for the area may possibly be halted pending the inspection.
Source
Mesothelioma Cancer News (Cedar Glen, California) – Workers at a demolition site in Cedar Glen have recently been notified that they are required to check the site for asbestos before proceeding. As reported by the San Bernardino Sun, the South Coast Air Quality Management District stated that an asbestos check is required despite the view that the toxic material will likely not be found.
Sam Atwood, a spokesman for AQMD, is quoted in the report as stating, “The property owner has to arrange for an asbestos site survey.” A fire in October 2003 destroyed hundreds of homes in the community, which led to officials ordering clearance of the remains. Cleanup plans for the area may possibly be halted pending the inspection.
Source
Monday, September 28, 2009
Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles can see Mesothelioma Lawyer marketing company at 27th Event
Mesothelioma Lawyer marketing firm Cepac joins California’s most respected trial attorneys at the 27th annual Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles (CAALA), to unveil their new website and share their Smart News Technology branding product at the Venetian/Palazzo Resort Hotel.
Las Vegas, NV (WiredPRNews.com)-CEPAC lawyer marketing firm, specializing in bringing the power of big brand advertising to the legal field, returns to Las Vegas to attend the CAALA event. The professional legal branding experts, at CEPAC attorney marketing agency, are launching the new Cepac.com website along with introducing their Smart News Technology lawyer newsroom system to California trial attorneys. This is a groundbreaking attorney public relations product raising the bar for Internet social media using Google best practices.
With Smart News Technology, plaintiff’s attorneys and their firms will have the platform to have their messages seen by millions of potential clients in a matter of minutes. Cepac provides the ability for top civil litigators to distribute their news and press releases across the Internet with lightening fast search engine indexing. Law firm websites can become an authority on the web and maintain top ranking on the Internet with natural search engine optimization by utilizing Smart News. Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles is the nation’s largest local association of plaintiffs’ attorneys. Its mission is to protect the public from unsafe products and medicines, unfair business practices and negligent acts by corporations and individuals. A large part of their goal is to preserve the legal rights of consumers and maintain the highest legal standards of representation for consumers through education networking and training.
Towards that end, there will be 14 sections of continuing education courses for attorneys to attend offered by the top legal experts in their respective fields. The highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the master speakers sessions on Saturday afternoon. These sessions will be lead by the highest echelon of attorneys in the nation. The speakers include: Larry Grassini, elected to the Inner Circle of Advocates as one of the top 100 plaintiffs’ attorneys in the US, Thomas Girardi, past President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Katheleen Peterson, past President of the America Association for Justice, Gary Dordick, winner of the Consumer Attorney Trial Lawyer of the Year and nominated 8 times, Don Keenan, former president of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Gary Paul, Vice President of the American Association for Justice.
As leaders in their field, Cepac will be available in the exhibit hall to demonstrate Smart News Technology.
With over 20 years of experience, Cepac has developed innovative strategies and extensive expertise for mesothelioma lawyer marketing, legal TV advertising and marketing. Cepac builds relationships with their clients by helping law firms and independent attorneys create distinctive branding campaigns with a meaningful message. Cepac lawyer marketing stands behind the belief of adding value and exceeding expectations. We partner with our clients to help them get their firms ahead of the curve. Our vision and dedication to promoting law firms is evident in our solid law firm marketing strategies, unique creative solutions and our quality production.
Source
Las Vegas, NV (WiredPRNews.com)-CEPAC lawyer marketing firm, specializing in bringing the power of big brand advertising to the legal field, returns to Las Vegas to attend the CAALA event. The professional legal branding experts, at CEPAC attorney marketing agency, are launching the new Cepac.com website along with introducing their Smart News Technology lawyer newsroom system to California trial attorneys. This is a groundbreaking attorney public relations product raising the bar for Internet social media using Google best practices.
With Smart News Technology, plaintiff’s attorneys and their firms will have the platform to have their messages seen by millions of potential clients in a matter of minutes. Cepac provides the ability for top civil litigators to distribute their news and press releases across the Internet with lightening fast search engine indexing. Law firm websites can become an authority on the web and maintain top ranking on the Internet with natural search engine optimization by utilizing Smart News. Consumer Attorneys of Los Angeles is the nation’s largest local association of plaintiffs’ attorneys. Its mission is to protect the public from unsafe products and medicines, unfair business practices and negligent acts by corporations and individuals. A large part of their goal is to preserve the legal rights of consumers and maintain the highest legal standards of representation for consumers through education networking and training.
Towards that end, there will be 14 sections of continuing education courses for attorneys to attend offered by the top legal experts in their respective fields. The highlight of the event will undoubtedly be the master speakers sessions on Saturday afternoon. These sessions will be lead by the highest echelon of attorneys in the nation. The speakers include: Larry Grassini, elected to the Inner Circle of Advocates as one of the top 100 plaintiffs’ attorneys in the US, Thomas Girardi, past President of the International Academy of Trial Lawyers, Katheleen Peterson, past President of the America Association for Justice, Gary Dordick, winner of the Consumer Attorney Trial Lawyer of the Year and nominated 8 times, Don Keenan, former president of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Gary Paul, Vice President of the American Association for Justice.
As leaders in their field, Cepac will be available in the exhibit hall to demonstrate Smart News Technology.
With over 20 years of experience, Cepac has developed innovative strategies and extensive expertise for mesothelioma lawyer marketing, legal TV advertising and marketing. Cepac builds relationships with their clients by helping law firms and independent attorneys create distinctive branding campaigns with a meaningful message. Cepac lawyer marketing stands behind the belief of adding value and exceeding expectations. We partner with our clients to help them get their firms ahead of the curve. Our vision and dedication to promoting law firms is evident in our solid law firm marketing strategies, unique creative solutions and our quality production.
Source
Monday, August 10, 2009
Nearly Eight and a Half Million Dollars Awarded to Former Drywaller
It has been reported that a former drywaller who went on to develop the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma, has been awarded nearly eight and a half million dollars by a San Francisco jury. Jack Reynolds from California filed his lawsuit against the manufacturer of asbestos containing joint compound, Hamilton Materials Inc.
The jury ruled in favour of Mr Reynolds earlier this week, and he was awarded over four hundred and sixty thousand dollars in economic damages plus eight million dollars in other damages. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2008.
Mr Reynolds worked for the Navy for ten years between 1954 and 1964. He then moved to the residential construction sector as a drywall installer until 1973, when he moved on to the travel industry. It was therefore determined that his last industrial exposure to asbestos was in 1973 when he worked with products from Hamilton Materials.
The trial against Hamilton Materials began in the middle of May, and the verdict came earlier this week. A lawyer working for Mr Reynolds stated: “We are very happy for Mr. Reynolds and his family as they are deserving, good people.”
Source
The jury ruled in favour of Mr Reynolds earlier this week, and he was awarded over four hundred and sixty thousand dollars in economic damages plus eight million dollars in other damages. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2008.
Mr Reynolds worked for the Navy for ten years between 1954 and 1964. He then moved to the residential construction sector as a drywall installer until 1973, when he moved on to the travel industry. It was therefore determined that his last industrial exposure to asbestos was in 1973 when he worked with products from Hamilton Materials.
The trial against Hamilton Materials began in the middle of May, and the verdict came earlier this week. A lawyer working for Mr Reynolds stated: “We are very happy for Mr. Reynolds and his family as they are deserving, good people.”
Source
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