Best Law Firms in the United States for Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions - Plaintiffs

Nationally ranked at the highest levels of professional excellence, the attorneys of Chicago‑based Cooney & Conway have been providing exceptional legal services to injured people and their families for more than 50 years. In addition to its acclaimed asbestos litigation practice, the law firm also handles complex personal injury matters including, medical malpractice, products liability, premises liability, transportation accidents, construction accidents, and professional negligence. Fighting for those who have suffered catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, Cooney & Conway is known for aggressive, yet compassionate representation and for committed, responsive relationships with its clients. Understanding the devastation to clients brought by injury, illness, and death, the firm’s primary focus is ensuring that matters are resolved justly and expeditiously, so that future financial burdens can be relieved.

The attorneys of Cooney & Conway have mastered the complexities of mesothelioma and personal injury litigation, consistently and successfully helping thousands of injured clients and their families obtain fair compensation for injuries resulting from the negligence of others, including:

• $5.2 billion settlement agreement with the Owens Corning Asbestos Case
• $3.95 billion settlement agreement with USG Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
• $1.43 billion settlement agreement with the Combustion Engineering/ABB Asbestos Personal Injury Trust
• $1.2 billion settlement agreement with the Kaiser Aluminum Personal Injury Trust
• $35 million-dollar verdict against a major oil company in an asbestos death case
• $19.9 million-dollar verdict in a trucking accident death case
• $12.3 million verdict against an insulator who died of mesothelioma, whose case was tried to jury verdict in the Circuit Court of Cook County by Cooney and Conway attorneys John Cooney, William Fahey, and Jim Hopkinson. The verdict of compensatory damages of $12.3 million was reported as the largest single mesothelioma verdict nationwide ·
• $4.5 million settlement agreement in a wrongful death case resulting from drowning in a barge collision

The continued success of Cooney & Conway is a testament to its expertise, diligence, and dedication to its clients. This expertise and diligence has also earned Cooney & Conway the respect of judges, colleagues, and adversaries, alike. Serving the community with the highest standards of professionalism and ethics is what sets Cooney & Conway apart from other personal injury firms, and why it remains one of the most distinguished law firms in the nation.

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is a national law firm recognized for its representation of over 4,000 hardworking men and women who have been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma. ELSM devotes nearly 100 percent of our resources to mesothelioma cases and has been doing so for over 40 years.

The attorneys at ELSM have extensive knowledge about the companies that distributed, manufactured, and supplied products containing asbestos and have used this knowledge to obtain settlements and jury verdicts which are among the highest in the country.

ELSM assists clients not only in filing civil lawsuits to recover for their injuries, but also in filing workers compensation and bankruptcy claims where appropriate.

Asbestos & Mesothelioma

Malignant mesothelioma is the most serious of all asbestos related disease. Although uncommon, mesothelioma cancer is no longer considered rare.

• What Is Mesothelioma?
• Mesothelioma Risk Factors
• Mesothelioma Symptoms
• What Is Asbestos?
• Occupations at Risk
• Asbestos Products
• Asbestos Job Sites

Mesothelioma Treatment

Ongoing research and mesothelioma treatments like Alimta® can give mesothelioma patients hope.

• Diagnosing Mesothelioma
• Mesothelioma Types
• Mesothelioma Staging
• Treating Mesothelioma
• Treatment Near You
• Clinical Trials
• Prognosis and Outlook
• Mesothelioma Survivors
• Mesothelioma Books

Your Legal Rights

Our justice system allows those suffering from mesothelioma to seek compensation from the manufacturers of asbestos and asbestos-containing products.

• Why Protect Your Rights
• Typical Case Process
• Viable Defendants
• Bankrupt Defendants
• VA Benefits
• Workers' Compensation
• FAQ's
• Asbestos News

Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen is nationally recognized for our representation of mesothelioma victims, and for our understanding of and compassion for victims and their families. Our experience in these matters spans over three decades.

• Attorneys
• Where We Work
• Why Hire Us?
• Settlements Obtained
• What Our Clients Say
• Martindale Rating
• Help Find a Cure
• Asbestos Awareness

ELSM is proud to support MARF (Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation) in its work to fund mesothelioma research.

I am very pleased with the law firm Early, Lucarelli, Sweeney & Meisenkothen and feel that they have always had my best interest at heart. Whenever I have had questions to be answered, I could (and can) count on prompt answers by calling the person with whom I have had the most contact, Jennifer Lucarelli. She has always treated me like a life-long friend.

-Shirley Lamphere

For more than 35 years, the lawyers of Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis & Larsen have specialized in the successful representation of injured persons and those who have lost loved ones due to the fault of others. The firm's lawyers focus solely on injury cases, accident cases, wrongful death cases and insurance claims.

GJEL's team of personal injury attorneys has an outstanding track record of verdicts and settlements, and we are one of California's top personal injury law firms. We have obtained over $600 million dollars for our clients. Call us today at 1-800-840-2111 or email lawfirm@gjel.com today to speak directly to a personal injury lawyer. If you're looking for information on how long the average case takes, please review our Personal Injury Timeline.

Here's what others are saying about us:

Best Lawyers Magazine
Cover feature, August 2009

Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rated
"Highest rating for ethical standards and legal ability."

National Law Journal, 2009
Top 100 Verdicts in the Nation

Avvo
"Andy Gillin became a great resource for people seeking legal information online."

FIRM PROFILE

Over 99% success rate.

• Over $850 Million recovered for our clients from insurance companies and corporate defendants.
• Ranked among the top law firms nationwide by our peers.
• Respected and seen as a formidable opponent by insurance companies.
• Known for helping our clients with their medical, vehicle repair and replacement, rental car and other bills from day one.
• Our attorneys attended Stanford, the University of California, the University of Chicago, and other major universities.
• Experts in accident reconstruction.
• An authority for other firms and lawyers-noted for the speed and skill with which we resolve our clients’ cases.
• Free Consultations whenever and wherever is most convenient for our clients.
• Paid only upon the successful resolution of our clients’ cases-no up-front fees.

As partner Andy Gillin is fond of saying, “We love fighting for the little guy.” We all began our careers in public service, and while the cases have gotten larger and more complex along the way, that hasn’t changed our firm’s focus.

The one-on-one relationship between attorney and client is truly important to GJEL. Unlike many other law firms, our discipline is to maintain a constant emphasis on quality over quantity. Catastrophic injury cases require extraordinary attention to detail. The only way to allow for that focus is to be extremely selective.

Our selectiveness allows us the time to work every aspect of the case and to develop a personal connection with you. That connection gives us extra fight and determination to overcome the deep resources that corporate defendants and insurance companies possess.

We return all phone calls immediately and solve every problem we can, whether it is directly related to the case or not. We maintain friendships with our clients long after we’ve won their cases.

We help clients get back on their feet and get their lives back. People go through a lot when they sustain an injury, both emotionally and physically, and the number of medical specialists our clients see is often overwhelming. Our clients also need help figuring out their property damage issues with their cars or motorcycles, they need help getting investigative reports and medical records, and oftentimes securing a rental vehicle. In general, our clients need help getting back on their feet and returning their lives to normal.

That’s where GJEL’s staff comes in. We let our clients focus on what is really important-their health. We set up appointments with doctors and medical specialists who will provide you with the absolute best care. We coordinate accident investigations. We communicate with your health insurance company. We follow up with the insurance company of the person who hit you, as well as your own car insurance company. In a nutshell, we handle all the details of your case, so that you can focus on your health and your family.

Every member of our staff is a humble, approachable, friendly, and compassionate person. From your first phone call or email to our office, I know you’ll have the same impression.

We welcome any and all questions about individual cases. Initial consultations are free, and if we can’t help you, we’ll do our best to direct you to additional legal resources. My staff, my partners, and I look forward to speaking with you.

–Andy
Andy Gillin
Managing Partner
Gillin, Jacobson, Ellis & Larsen

We help clients who have been injured in an accident.

Here is what we are most known for:

• Northern California Car Accident Lawyers
• Uber/ Lyft Accident
• Bicycle Accidents
• Motorcycle Accidents
• Wrongful Death Cases
• Amputation Accidents

GJEL Also Has Offices Across Northern California to serve our clients. You can find us in the following cities:

• GJEL Accident Attorneys San Jose
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Hayward
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Berkeley
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Fresno
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Oakland
• GJEL Accident Attorneys San Francisco
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Walnut Creek Office
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Concord
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Richmond Office
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Fremont
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Sacramento
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Fairfield
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Gilroy
• Main Office
• GJEL Accident Attorneys Stockton

Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek is a personal injury law firm in Midtown Manhattan. Our personal injury lawyers also take cases in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Manhattan, Queens, and throughout the rest of New York. Our injury lawyers assist injured clients throughout New York City and the surrounding areas. The partners at our firm originally came from the largest, most experienced, and most profitable law firms in New York. Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. was formed because we wanted to provide more personal attention to clients – something that could not be done at larger firms – while still obtaining large settlements and judgments. We strive to always provide aggressive legal assistance while supporting our clients after being injured in a serious accident.

While most cases do settle, our seasoned trial attorneys prepare every case as if it will proceed to trial. HKD has the resources and experience to try any case and win. Whether you were injured in a car accident, workplace accident, MTA accident claims, commercial truck accident, slip and fall accident, or another personal injury matter, our attorneys will fight for you to win. Our attorneys are especially experienced with construction accidents, such as dangerous job sites, injuries from falling objects, crane accidents, and scaffold accidents.

We get involved in a client’s case as soon as possible. In personal injury claims, insurance adjusters act quickly, hoping for a speedy settlement. Usually, these are low-ball offers made in the company’s best interests – not yours. Prompt action from an experienced attorney will ensure you are protected and that every detail of your accident is investigated.

Procrastination can lose a lawsuit, but at Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C., we work on a contingency fee basis to reduce your risk. You are not responsible for any initial payment or costs during litigation, and all initial consultations are free. We only recover a fee upon the successful conclusion of your case.

With decades of experience and hundreds of millions of dollars recovered, if you or a loved one is suffering, Hecht, Kleeger & Damashek, P.C. is ready to help. We can meet by appointment at our New York office, at home, or in the hospital. An attorney at our firm is available to assist you 24 hours a day, and seven days a week.

Kiesel Law LLP is a prominent litigation firm based in Los Angeles, widely respected for its strong representation of individuals harmed by negligence, deceptive practices, unsafe products, and other forms of wrongdoing by corporations or institutions. The firm has built a reputation for delivering meaningful outcomes for its clients, consistently securing high-value settlements and verdicts in complex legal matters.

Luftman, Heck & Associates is a criminal defense law firm located in Columbus, Ohio. Led by Columbus criminal defense attorneys Ben Luftman, Peter Scranton, Bryan Bowen, and Joseph Kunkel, our law firm has successfully represented thousands of clients on various criminal charges. Our attorneys understand that the criminal justice system can be an unjust and scary place without a knowledgeable attorney by your side.

That is why for over a decade, the Columbus criminal defense attorneys with Luftman, Heck & Associates, LLP have successfully represented clients in Central Ohio who have been charged with criminal offenses from DUI charges to serious felonies and federal offenses. That extensive experience will enable us to better help you. Some of the most common criminal charges that we defend against are:

• First time DUI charges
• Drug charges such as possession of a controlled substance and drug trafficking
• Sex crimes such as sexual battery and rape charges
• Violent crimes such as domestic violence and assault charges

Our law firm's experience handling such a wide array of criminal charges means that we have likely represented someone in your shoes before and that previous experience will better help us represent you. If you've been charged with a crime in Central Ohio, schedule a free initial consultation with Luftman, Heck & Associates, LLP. Our law firm has two offices in Central Ohio so that there is always a convenient place to meet with clients: a downtown Columbus office and a Dublin office.

Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky is one of the nation’s leading personal injury firms. The firm has secured some of the largest settlements and verdicts in the history of Pennsylvania and New Jersey. It is widely regarded as the best law firm in the United States for representing workers who have been injured or killed on the job. Known for winning tough, high-profile cases, Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky has an exceptional track record of championing the rights of injured victims.

Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky has earned a national reputation as the country's most specialized and experienced law firm in the representation of victims of construction accidents and construction falls. Known for winning tough, high-profile cases, Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky's  attorneys also have an exceptional track record in championing the rights of victims of workplace accidents, medical malpractice, defective products, unsafe premises, liquor liability, motor vehicle accidents, and class action injustices.

More Than 200 Verdicts and Settlements over $1 Million

Examples of Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky's ability to obtain record-setting personal injury verdicts, settlements and arbitration awards and/or set legal precedents include:

$101 million settlement for the Atlantic City, N.J., Tropicana Casino parking garage collapse - the largest construction accident settlement in U.S. history.

$75 million verdict, the largest construction accident verdict ever awarded an individual U.S. construction worker and one of the largest jury verdicts in Philadelphia history.

$29.5 million settlement for the Pier 34 collapse - one of the largest premises liability settlements in Philadelphia history.

$17 million settlement for families of two Hungarian tourists who were killed when the duck boat they were on in the Delaware River was run over by a barge.

$16.5 million for a severely burned millwright - the largest personal injury settlement in the history of Lehigh County, Pa.

$14.7 million settlement for a roofer whose skull was crushed by a falling hoist - one of the largest defective product settlements in Philadelphia history.

Other high-profile cases include a medical malpractice settlement on behalf of the teenager who died in a University of Pennsylvania gene therapy trial. The firm also secured the largest settlement ever reported - $20 million - involving bad faith by an insurer in Pennsylvania.

Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky's attorneys have also obtained million dollar-plus verdicts and settlements in scores of less publicized cases - cases that have been just as critically important to our clients victimized by life-altering personal injuries and wrongful deaths.

In addition, our class action attorneys have helped secure settlements in the tens and even hundreds of millions of dollars for the classes of wronged businesses and consumers that they represent.

If you or a family member has been injured or killed as a result of a serious accident - or been treated unfairly as a business or consumer - Saltz Mongeluzzi Bendesky is committed to obtaining all the results you need and deserve. To learn how we can help, contact us today.

"Our clients choose us because we get results. Insurance companies know us, respect us and fear us - which is what you want if you've suffered a catastrophic injury."
 - Robert J. Mongeluzzi