Marlowe G. Tolbertson

Malignant Mesothelioma Victim Testimonial Marlowe G. Tolbertson -“In 1999, my lungs began to fill with fluid and soon after I developed many tumors due to mesothelioma.

Within three months, I was diagnosed with mesothelioma and immediately got on the Internet for more information about the disease and to locate clinical trials that might be able to assist me.  Instead, I found a land mine of attorneys who ultimately sent me in the wrong direction.  Immediately after diagnosis, I underwent surgery to remove part of my lung and began radiation.  Then, I developed additional tumors and decided to try one clinical trial that was not successful for me.

Finally, I was referred to Jerry Neil Paul, partner at Paul & Hanley LLP and my Local Pipefitters Union liaison attorney, by Union members that I knew throughout my career. Jerry was presenting information about the Mesothelioma Research Foundation of America at a retiree’s luncheon. He spoke about a new Phase II clinical trial treatment for mesothelioma that the foundation had funded.  After the lecture, I approached Jerry about the clinical trial and he facilitated my entry into the trial by coordinating a meeting with Dr. Gill, lead researcher for the new treatment through UCS/Norris in Los Angeles.

Then, Dean Hanley of Paul & Hanley LLP stepped in.  He fulfilled my request to investigate the companies who may be responsible for my disease.  Dean informed me that there may be more than one company responsible for my disease.  He explained that asbestos is often found throughout job sites such as those that I worked at.  I learned that asbestos can be found in boiler rooms and construction sites.  In fact, asbestos is typically located in flooring, wood, and stucco - just about everything that related to the jobs I performed throughout my career.

The Paul & Hanley LLP  team then handled all of the research necessary to uncover the companies that I worked for who exposed me to mesothelioma.  Throughout the past four years, I have proceeded with various clinical trials to fight off the disease.  I have been receiving chemotherapy as well.

Today, life for me can be challenging.  I cannot physically do everything I used to.  Nor do I have the energy level that I am accustomed to.  My daily activities are limited, but I have grown to understand my limitations, making life a bit easier for me.  Today, I keep busy with gardening, taking walks and managing my investment properties.  I also act as a supporter for people like myself who have mesothelioma that are referred to me by Paul & Hanley LLP.

Dean Hanley has provided a way to distract me from my illness and fill in my time with the management of my investment properties and volunteering to help others through the referrals I receive from his office.  I encourage mesothelioma victims to continue in depth research about clinical trial projects and seek out the best doctors available to provide their treatment, despite the wealth of poor information on the Internet.  The right attorney can also help with every aspect of managing the disease.  In the end, I had a willful desire to pursue settlements and take to trial the companies who did not settle or acknowledge their responsibility in causing my disease.

Paul & Hanley LLP worked diligently to win these trials for me.  I have been very satisfied with the settlement I received, the support of Dean Hanley’s initial encouragement to investigate the companies who I worked with, and the continued volunteer efforts I make for people affected by mesothelioma through Paul & Hanley LLP.

Dean Hanley and the team of lawyers at Paul & Hanley LLP have provided immeasurable support to me in many ways.”