The number of people diagnosed with asbestos caused diseases in the U.S. continues to increase. Experts believe 60,000 mesothelioma deaths will occur between 2010 and 2030.

Work related injuries harm up to 14 million people annually, with harms including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, burns, and electrocutions. Around 20,000 to 60,000 workers die each year from accidents, toxins, and violence at their jobs.

Millions of consumers and workers are injured each year because of defective products. Defects can occur when a product is designed poorly, when a product is manufactured in a manner that differs from the intended design, or when the product does not contain proper warnings or instructions. Defects can occur in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction equipment, toys, and other goods.

Between 1.5 and 2 million elderly reside in nursing home facilities, with studies revealing that 44% have suffered some form of abuse. Many believe the actual number of residents suffering abuse is much higher. Neglect and abuse may result in serious emotional, physical, and financial harm

Paul & Hanley’s legal team has produced some of the most notable verdicts and highest settlements in the United States. Over 500 of our clients have each obtained in excess of 1 million dollars. Over 250 have recovered multi-million dollar recoveries.

Victor and Francesca Trinchese vs. Union Carbide, Inc.

Victor and Francesca Trinchese vs. Union Carbide, Inc.

San Francisco Jury Awards $4.2 Million to Contra Costa Electrician - the First Verdict in the United States Involving the "Bakelite" Electrical Products of Union Carbide

On July 15, 2002, a jury awarded Victor Trinchese $1.6 million in lost income and medical expenses, and $1.8 million for pain and suffering.  His wife, Francesca, was awarded $800,000.00 for loss of her husband's care, comfort and society.  The jury found Union Carbide’s asbestos product, "Bakelite", was a cause of Mr. Trinchese's cancer.

Victor Trinchese, a 61-year-old electrician from San Ramon, California, has malignant mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos.  His prognosis is terminal and he has been given only a short time to live.  The jury found Union Carbide was negligent in the manufacture of its asbestos-containing plastics, produced in the 1960's and 1970's, which Mr. Trinchese used in his electrical work at Hunter's Point Naval Shipyard.

The expert witnesses for Mr. Trinchese included pulmonologist Dr. Barry R. Horn (Berkeley), medical state of the art expert, Dr. Barry Castleman (Baltimore, MD), economist Dr. Barry Ben-Zion (Santa Rosa), materials specialist Mr. Richard Hatfield (Atlanta, GA), pathologist Dr. Samuel Hammar (Bremerton, WA), pathologist and pulmonologist Dr. Arnold Brody (New Orleans, LA), industrial hygienist Dr. Kenneth Cohen (El Cajon, CA) and epidemiologist Dr. Allan Smith (Oakland, CA).