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The Ferraro Law Firm’s Florida asbestos lawyers successfully secured a $37 million verdict in favor of a client diagnosed with mesothelioma, following exposure to asbestos contained in brake lining.
The plaintiff filed his case in Hillsborough Circuit Court soon after being diagnosed with the terminal cancer in February 2013
A confidential settlement was reached between the plaintiff and Ford Motor Co., one of several defendants in the case, prior to the conclusion of a three-week trial. The remaining defendants, including Pneumo Abex LLC, will be responsible for their portion of the balance.
Attorney David Jagolinzer, who represented the plaintiff for the Ferraro Law Firm, noted the substantial size of the verdict was at least partially due to the plaintiff’s family circumstances. The plaintiff is the primary caregiver for his adopted niece, who is 12. His wife is suffering from kidney failure and is critically ill.
Patients with mesothelioma know their time is limited. The disease, which is latent for many years and often decades, only surfaces with symptoms in the latter stages. There is no known cure for the disease, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Because of the pervasiveness of the material in the 20th century, we are only now becoming aware of widespread exposure.
While an appeal by the defendants is expected, our attorneys have expressed confidence in the jury’s verdict.
The 65-year-old plaintiff in Hampton vs. Allis-Chalmers Corporation Product Liability Trust et al. worked at an auto repair shop in Tampa from the late 1960s through 1977. During that time, he was never given a warning that working with the brakes presented a danger to his health from breathing asbestos fibers. Those fibers can cause a host of diseases, including lung cancer, asbestosis, and mesothelioma.
Plaintiff in this case sued Ford Motor Corp., which designed the brakes, as well as Pneumo Abex. The latter is now defunct, but it was the firm that manufactured the dangerous brakes. The company used to be a subsidiary of Cooper Industries, which is likely the entity from which the judgment will be collected.
The lawsuit against the defendants asserted defective product/failure to warn, strict liability, and negligence claims. The case, filed in the circuit’s asbestos litigation division, had been overseen by Chief Judge Manuel Menendez.
Plaintiff attorney Jagolinzer called five expert witnesses to the stand. Among those were a materials scientist, who tested the brake product, as well as a cellular biologist, a pathologist, an epidemiologist, and a public health official. In addition to those, the plaintiff, his wife, and his daughter testified.
The day before family members were slated to testify, Ford agreed to a settlement. However, Pneumo Abex did not make any serious settlement offers prior to or during trial.
Jagolinzer was later quoted in Daily Business Review expressing surprise that the latter never initiated a settlement. Calling it one of the “most devastating cases” for the fact that it ruined three lives, Jagolinzer added, “The case was pretty clear as far as culpability.”
In the end, the six-member jury determined in favor of the plaintiff. Pneumo Abex was deemed 75 percent liable. The jury apportioned the plaintiff $27 million for pain and suffering, $3.7 million to the plaintiff’s wife for loss of consortium, $6.1 million to the pair’s adopted daughter, and $360,000 to cover medical expenses.
Help for mesothelioma victims can be found at The Ferraro Law Firm by calling (888) 554-2030. Offices in Miami and Washington, D.C.
Additional Resources:
Miami Attorney Wins $37M Jury Award For Mechanic In Asbestos Case, Aug. 29, 2014, By July Kay, Daily Business Review
Hampton, Gary L vs ALLIS-CHALMERS CORPORATION PRODUCT LIABILITY TRUST et al, filed July 17, 2013, Hillsborough Circuit Court
More Blog Entries:
Rost v. Ford Motor Co. – Court Upholds Plaintiff Award, Clarifies “Any Exposure”, June 2, 2014, Miami Mesothelioma Lawyer Blog
Frequently Asked Questions
01.
How do I know if I need a mesothelioma lawyer for my case?
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma or suspect that you were exposed to asbestos in a work setting or through asbestos containing products, speaking with a mesothelioma lawyer can help clarify your legal rights. At Ferraro Law, we assess the details of your situation, identify companies responsible, and explain the legal process so you can determine if pursuing a mesothelioma claim aligns with your needs. This initial guidance provides a clear direction for mesothelioma victims seeking meaningful support.
02.
What can I expect from working with a mesothelioma law firm?
03.
Will I need to go to court if I’m seeking compensation for asbestos exposure?
04.
How long does asbestos litigation usually take?
05.
How can a mesothelioma law firm help me handle the financial burdens of my illness?
06.
How do I know if my asbestos exposure is connected to my mesothelioma diagnosis?
07.
Is it too late to file a mesothelioma claim if I was diagnosed years ago?
08.
What if I’m not sure which companies are responsible for my asbestos exposure?
09.
Can a mesothelioma law firm assist if my loved one passed away from asbestos-related illness?
10.
Can Ferraro Law handle my case if I live outside of Florida?
Absolutely. We represent clients nationwide. Our extensive experience in complex litigation and specialized claims means that we can effectively advocate for your rights, no matter where you live.
11.
Will hiring a mesothelioma lawyer add to my financial strain?
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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.
Ferraro Law is wonderful and I am forever grateful to them. My attorney Daniel Di Matteo fought like a tiger for me against a multibillion dollar corporation and obtained a substantial settlement for me. This settlement is life changing for me. If you need an attorney call Ferraro Law and if you’re lucky Daniel will take your case.
Florence T.
Not too long ago I picked up the phone and called the Ferraro Law Firm not quite knowing what to expect. From the moment I reached out, the team made me feel heard and taken care of — not just like another case walking through the door.
Nikki Hurtado was my first primary contact. After speaking with her I knew that I had picked the right firm. She walked me through the process in plain understandable language. Even after numerous calls, she never made me feel like I was asking too many questions, and I always felt confident that my case was in expert hands.
My litigator was Daniel Di Matteo. If there was ever anyone that you would want by your side in a court of law, it would be him. He was everything that you would want in an attorney—calm, cool, always prepared, communicative and most importantly–experienced. He knew everything that was going to happen before it occurred but was prepared for any contingency. He is a fantastic attorney.
What really set them apart was their communication. I was kept informed at every stage — no chasing down updates, no wondering what was happening with my case. Calls and emails were returned promptly, and they proactively reached out whenever there was a development.
The professionalism of the entire team — from the attorneys to the support staff — was exceptional. Everyone I interacted with was kind, compassionate, and genuinely invested in my well-being, not just the outcome of my case.
And the outcome? Better than I could have hoped for. They fought hard on my behalf and secured a result that truly reflected the impact this injury had on my life.
You could ask for no better firm or attorney.
Keeth K.
Working with my attorney, Daniel J. Di Matteo was an exceptional experience from start to finish. His level of professionalism, attention to detail, and strategic thinking set him apart immediately. Every step of the process was handled with precision and clarity, and I always felt informed and confident in the decisions being made.
What truly stood out was his ability to navigate complex situations with confidence and deliver results that exceeded my expectations. He was not only highly knowledgeable but also genuinely committed to protecting my best interests.
If you’re looking for an attorney who is sharp, responsive, and truly operates at a high level, I highly recommend him without any hesitation.
Ivan M.
My name is Page. I am putting a five star review of my experience with Ferraro law group and my attorney Daniel J. Di Matteo. His professionalism and compassion and diligence for my case was outstanding. I am very happy that I put my trust in their very capable hands.
Page P.
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