Trial lawyers at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel earned two of the largest injury litigation settlements of 2022, according to an analysis of state and federal court records by TopVerdict.com.
The cases highlighted among the year’s largest included a $5.45 million settlement on behalf of a Washington state man who was exposed to cancer-causing asbestos and a $5.63 million settlement for a Hawai’i man who was sexually assaulted as a student. The mesothelioma-related settlement is also recognized among the Top 10 premises liability settlements in the U.S. in 2022.
Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has earned a reputation as a pioneer in representation of victims of asbestos exposure, both in the workplace and through exposure from talcum-based cosmetics and other household and industrial products.
In the asbestos-exposure lawsuit, the Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel team performed an exhaustive investigation to identify when and how the man was exposed and who was responsible. The settlement avoided a trial and brought a measure of comfort to the man’s family by holding the company accountable.
“It can be daunting for individuals seeking justice from large and seemingly faceless organizations,” said Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel lawyer Chris Johnson, who was a key member of the trial teams for both matters. “That was the case in these two lawsuits, and it’s a true honor to be able to assemble a team to level the playing field and hold these organizations accountable for the harm they cause.”
Mesothelioma’s Link to Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a rare and deadly form of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart. Because of its resistance to heat and the strength of its fibers, asbestos has been widely used in a wide range of commercial products for insulation and as a fire retardant. When microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled, they can lodge in the lung tissue. Over time, the fibers can cause chronic inflammation and damage to the tissues and mesothelioma.
In addition to Mr. Johnson, the Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel team included Susan Ulrich and Leila Mustafa.
Record lawsuit settlement for sex-abuse survivor
In the second Top 50 settlement, the firm represented a sex-abuse survivor in litigation against a Hawai’i school for failing to protect the former student from adults who sexually assaulted him.
Sex abuse litigation has grown more common in states across the country as outcries have increased from individuals who claim that businesses and institutions failed to protect them from sex abuse, including school districts that did not adequately monitor teachers and staff. In response, states have modified laws providing victims more time to come forward with lawsuits seeking justice.In addition to Mr. Johnson, the Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel team included founding partner Peter Kraus, as well as Ilana Waxman, Rick DeRobertis, Allison Aoki, and Alyssa Segawa of Galiher DeRobertis & Waxman and Patricia Talbert of Talbert Law and Mililani Trask.
How Do We Fight Corporate Negligence?
Seek justice with the help of our experienced attorneys. We’ve battled corporate giants on behalf of individuals like you for 20 years, aggressively fighting those responsible for personal injury and wrongful death caused by corporate wrongdoing and fraud committed against the government. If you’ve suffered catastrophic injury or loss caused by corporate negligence or believe you have a government whistleblower case, we can help. Contact is kept confidential.
