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$5 Million: Double Exposure Case Denied by Other Firms Succeeds

Fact checked and legally reviewed by Daniel Wasserberg, Esq. • Contributor & Legal Advisor

Asbestos was widely used throughout the 20th century across a range of industries, from construction and automotive to shipbuilding, cosmetics, and even art supplies. Due to its prevalence, many people who were exposed to asbestos encountered it in multiple settings, making it a common but complex health risk.

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The Client

Although asbestos wasn’t intentionally added to most art supplies, it was once common to find asbestos-contaminated talc and vermiculite in products like clay, crayons, and paints. As a high school student and award-winning artist, the client was regularly exposed to these hazardous materials through his work in art and ceramics.

His exposure didn’t stop there. The client also lived with family members who worked at Eastman Kodak in Rochester, where asbestos was used extensively throughout the facility before the 1980s.

Like many family members of asbestos workers, he faced significant secondary exposure simply by sharing a home with individuals who unknowingly brought asbestos dust home on their clothing and belongings.

With two consistent sources of exposure, at school and home, it’s not surprising that the client later developed mesothelioma, an asbestos-related illness.

Mesothelioma, along with asbestos lung cancer and asbestosis, are caused by microscopic asbestos fibers that embed in the body over time, leading to chronic inflammation and DNA damage. Because these diseases can take decades to develop, identifying the source of exposure is often challenging.

After having his case turned down by other firms, the client turned to experienced legal counsel. He needed a team with the expertise to trace his exposure history and pursue the justice he deserved.

The Case

Asbestos litigation is notoriously complex, largely because the burden of proof falls on the victim. Plaintiffs must provide compelling medical and exposure evidence that clearly connects their diagnosis to specific asbestos-containing products and environments.

When our partner firm, Meirowitz & Wasserberg, took on this case, they knew that establishing a connection between the client’s illness and both his art supplies and his family’s workplace at Eastman Kodak would be critical to achieving a successful outcome.

With decades of experience, Meirowitz & Wasserberg brings unmatched resources to every case. Their team has access to comprehensive product databases, historical documentation, and seasoned interviewers who know exactly how to uncover essential exposure details, even those buried in memory.

By leveraging these powerful tools and deep industry knowledge, the firm was able to build a strong case linking both sources of asbestos exposure to the client’s diagnosis. Their efforts resulted in a $5 million compensation award for the client’s injuries.

Why Choose Meirowitz & Wasserburg

Meirowitz & Wasserberg is a boutique law firm with a powerful reputation in asbestos litigation. Their team of seasoned attorneys brings decades of combined experience and a proven process that consistently delivers results, even in the most challenging cases that other firms may hesitate to take.

Since their founding, Meirowitz & Wasserberg has recovered over $500 million in verdicts and settlements for victims and their families. They offer the robust resources of a large firm, paired with the personalized attention, compassion, and determination of a dedicated small practice.

The firm understands the financial and emotional toll of an asbestos-related diagnosis and the urgency of securing compensation to cover medical costs and restore peace of mind.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, don’t wait. Contact us today for a free case evaluation.