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2008 Fall

Index 

Lipsitz & Ponterio & The Firm’s Clients Lobby in Washington, D.C.

The subject in Washington, D.C., when the Science Advisory Board (SAB) of the Environmental Protection Agency’s Asbestos Committee met in July was the potential for asbestos to cause cancer, in particular to cause malignant mesothelioma. Under consideration was a proposed change in the EPA’s risk assessment for a type of asbestos fiber known as chrysotile used in 90% of all asbestos-containing products sold throughout the United States.

Court Issues Landmark Ruling for Dying Widow of Asbestos Worker

The following article discusses a landmark ruling for a dying widow of an asbestos worker, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma shortly after her husband died of asbestosis and cancer. Our client was exposed to asbestos through secondary contact by laundering dust-laden work clothes brought home by her husband.

Lipsitz & Ponterio Champions Cause of Policyholders in Landmark Insurance Case

The Appellate work of Lipsitz & Ponterio lawyers, Kathleen Burr and John Lipsitz, was instrumental in their clients’ big win at the New York Court of Appeals in the case of Bi-Economy Market, Inc. v. Harleysville Insurance Co. of New York, 10 N.Y.3d 187 (2008), reargument denied, 10 N.Y.3d 890 (2008).

$5 Million Verdict in Syracuse, N.Y.

On July 10, 2008, after nearly a three week trial, a Syracuse jury awarded $5 million to a former United States Navy boiler technician living with mesothelioma. The verdict is believed to be the largest yet for a mesothelioma victim in upstate New York.

Local #6 Iron Worker Receives $2.4 Million Settlement

Local #6 Iron Worker represented by Lipsitz & Ponterio, received settlements exceeding $2.4 million for his asbestos-related injuries, which include mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis.

Crossing U.S. Borders – What You Need To Know

On June 1, 2009, the U.S. government will implement the full requirements of the land and sea phase of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). The proposed rules require most U.S. citizens entering the United States at sea or land ports of entry to have a passport, passport card or WHTI compliant document. For those who live in New York State, this includes the much anticipated Enhanced Driver’s License.

What is Long-Term Care?

Long-term care is different from traditional medical care. Someone with a prolonged physical illness, a disability, or a cognitive impairment such as Alzheimer’s Disease often needs long-term care.

Lung Cancer Case Established on Appeal

The New York State Workers’ Compensation Board once held that a deceased worker’s lung cancer could not be attributed to occupational exposure to asbestos unless the disease asbestosis was present in the lungs of the deceased worker.

Asbestos Bankruptcy Update

As part of our continued representation of clients suffering from asbestos disease, Lipsitz & Ponterio files claims against bankrupt asbestos companies. Because these companies have declared bankruptcy, it is impossible to sue them.

Lead Poisoning Claims & Municipal Housing Authorities

In order to pursue a claim against a municipality, such as a city, town, village or municipal housing authority, it is necessary to file a Notice of Claim within 90 days of the injury. Unbelievable as it may seem, this is true even for a child of the tender age of three. Filing a Notice of Claim is a prerequisite to the later filing of a lawsuit.

Lipsitz & Ponterio Launches Re-Designed Website

We are pleased to announce the launch of our re-designed website located at www.lipsitzponterio.com.

Autopsies Are An Important Tool in Establishing Occupational Disease

Where occupational disease is merely suspected and has not yet been diagnosed, an autopsy may be critical in proving the case and, without it, there may be no basis to go forward with a claim. An autopsy is also an extremely useful tool in obtaining Workers’ Compensation benefits for the surviving spouse and/or family of the decedent.

Welcome Aboard!

Our Firm continues to grow, and we are pleased to welcome ten new staff members to our office: Tammy Michalski, Kim Kijowski, Suzanne Meyer, Heather Teeter, Nick Novack, Marlene Potter, Tamara Wehr, Cassandra Palmateer, Debra Tredo and Makenzi Rasey.

Attorney Spotlight - Kathleen A. Burr, Esq.

A dedicated attorney, Kathleen A. Burr is a key member of Lipsitz & Ponterio’s Lead Practice Group. She has been with the Firm since 2002 and represents children injured by lead paint poisoning.