As one of the leading defense firms in asbestos litigation in New York State, Phillips Lytle has been involved in this specialty litigation for more than 40 years. With the volume of cases that have come through the doors of Phillips Lytle for a multitude of different types of clients, it goes without saying that we are well versed and well equipped to handle all aspects of asbestos defense litigation.
The firm’s first involvement in asbestos litigation came in the late 1970s through representation of GAF Corporation (“GAF”). In the course of representing GAF, our attorneys took the lead in arguing Steinhardt v. Johns-Manville Corp., 54 N.Y.2d 1008, 446 N.Y.S.2d 244 (1981), cert. denied and appeal dismissed, 456 U.S. 967 (1982), in which the New York Court of Appeals applied the last date of exposure rule for application of the statute of limitations in New York to asbestos exposure claims. We also were lead counsel in seeking the dismissal of the appeal of that decision to the United States Supreme Court.
As a leader in the arena of asbestos litigation from the very beginning, we have successfully handled thousands of asbestos exposure cases throughout New York State and have developed effective strategies—from early resolution to successful trial and appeal—to meet the particular objectives of our various and longstanding clients.
Our long history of handling a high volume and wide variety of asbestos claims has allowed us to gain the expertise and insight to develop and implement proactive defense strategies. We understand the constantly evolving theories, trends and strategies being utilized by plaintiffs, and we tailor the defense of each lawsuit to meet our clients’ individual objectives and circumstances. Whether obtaining voluntary dismissals or resolution through motion practice, identifying other opportunities for early resolution, negotiating favorable settlements, or proceeding to trial and handling post-trial motions and appeals, we pragmatically and cost-effectively achieve our clients’ goals.
Our asbestos litigation team is comprised of a mix of attorneys with years of experience representing clients facing asbestos lawsuits. The Phillips Lytle Asbestos Team is well versed in the many issues unique to asbestos, litigation, regulations, procedures and other related matters that affect our clients. This team is geographically located across New York State for ease in access and greater efficiencies.
The types of defendants we have represented in asbestos exposure cases are numerous and varied, including product manufacturers, product suppliers and distributors, installers, contractors and premises owners. Additionally, we have advised clients on issues regarding insurance coverage for claims due to exposure to asbestos. Our Asbestos Team has assisted and guided other Phillips Lytle clients in different practice areas who find themselves sued in asbestos litigation across the country, even serving in an overall asbestos litigation coordinating counsel role to ensure that the client’s interests are being fully protected.
In asbestos-related disease matter, Phillips Lytle’s clients have included manufacturers of insulation, refractories, gaskets, boilers, pumps, resins, annealing equipment, plumbing supplies, ships, construction materials, building materials, caulk, friction products, dental compound materials, drilling mud additives, logging equipment, radio equipment, paints, sterilizing equipment, coke ovens and dryer felts. Other clients include suppliers, distributors of asbestos-containing products, construction companies and premises owners.
Additionally, we have represented manufacturers of industrial talc and cosmetic talc products in cases alleging exposure to asbestos-contaminated talc, and we have represented manufacturers of coke ovens’ coal tar pitch materials in “dual emissions/dual exposure cases” commenced in the Courts’ Asbestos Litigation Parts.
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