Mesothelioma lawyers in Illinois

Firm: Simmons Hanly Conroy

One Court Street , Alton , Illinois 62002

Practice Areas: Mesothelioma & Asbestos

Shareholder Perry Browder is head of the Asbestos Group at Simmons Hanly Conroy. He has worked for more than 20 years helping numerous families resolve hundreds of million dollar-plus cases.. He started at the firm in 2001 and played a key role in helping the firm develop a national reputation. Within a few years, he had successfully secured one of the largest asbestos verdicts in the country, including a $250 million verdict against U.S. Steel.. Today, Perry manages the firm’s nearly 40 asbestos attorneys who are organized into multiple asbestos trial teams. He oversees all asbestos cases to ensure they are handled in an efficient manner that maximizes results and minimizes hassle for clients and their families, so they can focus on their health.. “People hire the firm for our expertise and our compassion,” Perry said. “Even though we’re one of the largest firms in the country, we treat our clients like family. We are sensitive to their needs and at the same time we have a proven track record of getting results.”. A Proven Track Record. In the case against U.S. Steel, Perry represented Roby Whittington, a 70-year-old retired steel worker, who was diagnosed with mesothelioma after working 30 years for the company. The case eventually went to trial and an Illinois jury awarded a $250 million verdict in favor of Mr. Whittington. While Perry spent hours building the case, he credited the large result to Roby.. “The case was won because Roby was a good man who did everything he was supposed to,” he said. “U.S. Steel angered the jury in that they didn’t take the steps to protect him, even though they knew the hazards of asbestos.”. The verdict was important, Perry said, because it sent the message to large corporations that they can’t treat people as disposable resources and get away with it. It’s a message Simmons Hanly Conroy has continued to send as it’s recovered more than $5 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of clients.*. Read more about the $250 million verdict against U.S. Steel.. Building Resources. A veteran of more than 200 asbestos cases, Perry has developed an in-depth understanding of asbestos law and the important role research plays in the discovery process.. “I enjoy my job. I enjoy digging through products and documents from 40 to 50 years ago. It’s an opportunity to play historian and detective and to piece together the puzzle that caused our clients’ injuries into the best case possible,” Perry said.. Under Perry’s direction, the firm has developed extensive resources, including an in-house medical department, a dedicated research department, a nationwide network of medical experts and more.. “Hiring a law firm with the resources and ability to stand up to these corporations that have endless funds and legions of attorneys to defend them is so important,” Perry said. “It keeps families from being overwhelmed and ensures their rights are enforced.”. Read more about our verdicts & settlements.. Background & Experience. Perry grew up in Chicago and graduated from Valparaiso University School of Law in 1988. After working at Simmons Hanly Conroy for nearly eight years, he became a member of the leadership committee in 2009.. As a leader in asbestos litigation, Perry has been asked to speak at multiple asbestos litigation conferences including Perrin, PALS and more. He has helped the firm grow from less than 10 attorneys to nearly 70 and accept more asbestos cases on an annual basis than any other firm in the country.. He has served on the ITLA Board of Managers for the last several years. In addition, he is the 2014-2015 Third Vice President on the Board of Directors for the Illinois Bar Foundation (IBF) and helps oversee its efforts to raise funds to help nonprofit legal aid organizations. He has been a past member of the planning committee for IBF’s annual black-tie fundraising event and from 2010-2013 was one of the event chairmen. He has also been named an Illinois Super Lawyer 2011-2015 and received a 5.0 AV ranking from Martindale-Hubbell.. Set up a free case consultation with an experienced mesothelioma lawyer today.

Firm: Simmons Hanly Conroy LLP

One Court Street , Alton , Illinois 62002

Practice Areas: Mesothelioma & Asbestos

Luke is a skilled personal injury attorney with years of experience in products liability litigation.  Luke practices with a focus on asbestos-related claims and other products liability actions involving pharmaceutical drugs and medical devices.  Luke interacts with his clients on a personal level so that he can determine who is responsible for their injuries and pursue their legal claims.. “Working for our clients is a truly gratifying experience,” says Luke.  “I take pride in representing people who have been harmed by bad products made by companies that only care about the bottom line, and fighting to ensure that those companies are brought to justice for their wrongful actions.”. Luke is a native of Godfrey, Illinois.  He received his Bachelor’s degree from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville where he studied Sociology and Business Administration.  Luke earned his Juris Doctor from the Saint Louis University School of Law where he concentrated his studies in Civil Litigation.. In his spare time, Luke enjoys rooting for the St. Louis Cardinals and St. Louis Blues, attending concerts, and playing guitar.

1 Court St , Alton , Illinois 62002

Practice Areas: Mesothelioma & Asbestos

Asbestos attorney Brian Cooke joined Simmons Hanly Conroy in 2004 and today is one of the firm’s shareholders. He previously served two tours of duty with the United States Marine Corps after graduating from University of Missouri Columbia’s School of Law.. In the Marine Corps, Brian traveled around the world and served as both a prosecutor and company commanding officer. During his final year of active duty, Brian served in Baghdad as a legal adviser to the Iraqi Ministry of Justice. He was the first Western attorney to appear and argue before the Central Criminal Court of Iraq, a judicial body comprised entirely of Iraqi nationals. His responsibilities included prosecuting crimes involving terrorism, political corruption and organized crime. Recently the St. Louis Bar Association awarded Brian the 2011 Spirit of Justice Award for his military service and his continuing pro bono work to help veterans.. Brian grew up in St. Louis in a family of judges and attorneys. Both parents are veterans of Vietnam. Joining the military and becoming a lawyer was a natural fit for Brian. Throughout his legal career, Brian has represented the underdog, including Iraqi citizens who endured years of tyranny and U.S. veterans suffering from PTSD and other service-related injuries. Today he focuses on asbestos cancer victims who were harmed through no fault of their own.. “When you get to know our clients and their families, hear their stores and how they came about becoming exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with cancer, you know you’re sticking up for the little guy,” he said.

Firm: Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC

One Court Street , Alton , Illinois 62002 Zip code: 62002

Practice Areas: Benzene, Mesothelioma, Asbestos

Firm: Simmons Hanly Conroy LLC

One Court Street , Alton , Illinois 62002

Practice Areas: Ephedra & PPA, Mesothelioma, Asbestos