Mesothelioma and asbestos lawyers at the O’Brien Law Firm recently resolved a case resulting in the largest single defendant settlement in an asbestosis case in the firm’s 25-year history.
Our client approached us in the summer of 2023 after being turned down by two large, national asbestos injury firms. “You do not have mesothelioma, and we only take mesothelioma cases,” they explained. The firms also indicated that the client’s statute of limitations may have expired.
Expecting another rejection, the client approached the O’Brien Law Firm with hesitation. To the client’s surprise, we took the case. Two years later, the matter was recently resolved for an amount just shy of seven figures. The client is ecstatic with the result.
Taking Asbestosis Cases Seriously
Unlike many national firms that limit their practice, the O’Brien Law Firm recognizes that asbestosis can be a very serious injury.
Asbestosis develops when inhaled asbestos particles settle and remain in the lungs, triggering fibrosis, which is the thickening, scarring, and eventual hardening of the lung’s connective tissue. While it’s a non-cancerous lung disease, asbestosis still causes significant harm and can be fatal.
Patients with a real asbestos injury can count on the O’Brien Law Firm for help.
Why Other Law Firms Decline Asbestosis Cases
Many other law firms that practice in the mesothelioma and asbestos injury space have little to no interest in taking on asbestosis cases, as they are generally considered far less valuable than mesothelioma or asbestos lung cancer matters. There are several reasons why.
- The strength and severity of the diagnosis are regularly questioned.
- Asbestosis patients often suffer from other serious conditions, like heart issues, which contribute significantly to their illness.
- Defendants and their liability insurers tend to view these cases as far less valuable than asbestos cancer cases.
The O’Brien Law Firm is different.
Our Law Firm’s Commitment
Due to our decades of experience, our lawyers knew this client’s case was every bit as serious as mesothelioma and asbestos-caused lung cancer cases.
Asbestos insulators are often diagnosed with asbestosis, and many die from the disease. The O’Brien Law Firm has a long and distinguished history of representing members of labor unions, including the Insulators Local 1 union in St. Louis, who suffer from this particular disease.
Beyond the Surface of Medical Records
The O’Brien Law Firm knows the law and does not shy away from tough fact patterns. In this case, medical records arguably indicated the client had been diagnosed with asbestosis years ago, meaning the statute of limitations could have expired.
However, a careful review of the client’s extensive medical history revealed two key points.
- A firm and medically proper diagnosis of asbestosis had not been made until much more recently.
- The client had not been informed of the diagnosis until just months before contacting our firm.
According to the law, the statute of limitations does not begin until both a firm diagnosis has been made and the patient is clearly aware of it.
Lawyers on the Case
Partner Chris Thoron took charge of this case, preparing and presenting the client for deposition. Attorneys Adam Reynolds and Tom Stewart coordinated discovery specifically tailored to the defendant, and Partner Bart Baumstark handled pre-trial negotiations.
The target defendant was represented by one of the premier asbestos defense firms in the country. They mounted a strong defense. However, after extensive litigation and negotiation, it became clear that the O’Brien Law Firm’s factual and legal position was stronger. The matter was ultimately resolved amicably.
Choose Lawyers Who Take Asbestos Diseases Seriously
Whether you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, or asbestosis, you deserve lawyers who treat every asbestos disease as serious and worthy of compensation. Our lawyers at the O’Brien Law Firm promise to do just that.
When you’re ready, schedule for your free case evaluation by contacting us online or at (314) 588-0558!