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MIAMI, FL: The jury spoke loud and clear when it awarded $24,170,000 to Plaintiff Stephen Guilder and his family on Friday evening in a Miami-Dade courtroom. Dr. Guilder, a 50-year-old Weston area otolaryngologist, was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma on September 26, 2007. Mesothelioma is a rare cancer caused by asbestos. Dr. Guilder and his wife Sheila have been married for more than twenty years. They have three children, Ariel (18), Alex (16), and Ross (14).
David A. Jagolinzer of The Ferraro Law Firm in Miami tried the case against Honeywell International, Inc., formerly Bendix, and argued that Dr. Guilder’s exposure to Honeywell’s asbestos brakes in the 1970s and early 1980s caused his terminal cancer. “I am very pleased that the jury held Honeywell accountable for the devastating harms it caused Dr. Guilder and his family,” said partner David A. Jagolinzer.
The trial took two weeks and resulted in the largest compensatory jury verdict in Florida for a victim of asbestos exposure against a single defendant.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How do I prove my military service caused mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease?
We connect your asbestos exposure history to specific duty stations, shipyard roles, or asbestos products you encountered. Our team consults military archives, medical records, and industry experts to establish a clear link between your service and your mesothelioma diagnosis.
02.
Will legal action affect my VA benefits or VA disability rating?
Typically, no. Suing asbestos companies doesn’t impact your VA benefits since the VA’s determinations are separate. We’ll clarify any potential interactions so you can proceed with confidence, knowing you won’t jeopardize the support services you rely on.
03.
Are there other diseases related to asbestos exposure besides mesothelioma?
Yes. Veterans may face asbestosis, lung cancer, pleural plaques, and other conditions that diminish lung function or cause chronic respiratory diseases. We incorporate these diagnoses into your claim, ensuring the compensation reflects all aspects of your health challenges.
04.
Does early diagnosis help my case?
Early diagnosis can improve treatment outcomes and provide strong medical evidence for your claim. Identifying conditions like peritoneal mesothelioma or malignant pleural mesothelioma sooner can support more targeted treatments and may reinforce the validity of your legal claim.
05.
What if the companies responsible have declared bankruptcy?
Many have created asbestos trust funds for victims. Even if a company has changed ownership or finances, these trust funds remain a resource for compensation. We explore all options, ensuring no potential avenue for recovery is overlooked.
06.
Could family members be included in the claim?
Yes. If family members suffered other diseases due to secondhand exposure (for example, asbestos dust carried home on uniforms), their exposure may also be considered. We craft comprehensive strategies that seek justice for everyone affected.
07.
How long might my claim take?
Timelines vary. We balance a thorough investigation—possibly involving mineral commodity summaries, industrial records, and environmental protection agency data—with your need for timely results. We keep you updated so you’re never in the dark.
08.
Are there mental health resources available while I pursue my claim?
Coping with asbestos-related cancers, loss of lung function, and ongoing treatments can be emotionally taxing. While we focus on legal aspects, we encourage veterans to seek mental health support through VA programs, counseling services, or veteran support groups. Emotional well-being is as important as physical health.
09.
How does Ferraro Law support long-term advocacy?
We remain a resource even after your claim settles or is finalized in court. Should new exposures come to light, or if evolving medical research links your condition to previously unknown health hazards, our team stands ready to reassess your options, guide you through any VA claim adjustments, or consider filing additional claims if necessary.
10.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide, collaborating with local counsel when needed. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims means that we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
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When individuals and families face the challenges of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure—coping with complex treatments, escalating costs, and emotional strain—they turn to Ferraro Law for clarity, guidance, and steadfast support. Through meticulous case preparation, empathetic counsel, and strategic representation, our attorneys build compelling cases that secure meaningful settlements to cover medical expenses, provide financial relief, and offer a path toward stability during difficult times.
This post is directed on the care and understanding that I was shown by Bertha(Berta) on my recent claims. She has great understanding of the process and I received great timely help from her.
Faith G.
I had a great experience working with Ignacio at this firm on my insurance claim after a car accident. He handled everything professionally and on time. He took care of the details and saved me a lot of time and effort. The claim was successfully resolved, and I received my payout. I’m very satisfied with his work and highly recommend Ignacio and the firm.
Anton T.
I had an excellent experience working with Ignacio Segurola at The Ferraro Law Firm, P.A. From the very beginning, Ignacio was professional, knowledgeable, responsive, and genuinely caring. He took the time to listen carefully, explain everything clearly, and make sure I understood each step of the process. Thank you, Ignacio!
Mariana R.
Stephanie and all the folks at the Ferraro Law Firm were professional and excellent in handling my case. Even more importantly they were very kind and treated me like family. I would wholeheartedly recommend them to anyone. Thank Y’all so much.
Matthew F.
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