After a trial lasting several days, a former employee of Eastman Kodak, Wayne Meissner, was awarded a verdict in the amount of $8 million. State Supreme Court Justice John J. Ark presided over the trial. Wayne Meissner and his wife, Jill, were represented by Attorneys John P. Comerford and Mathew J. Morton. Mr. Meissner was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2018.

Mesothelioma is a rare and incurable form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Wayne Meissner is a lifetime non-smoker, although smoking has no connection to the development of mesothelioma. He was occupationally exposed over a period of several years beginning on the late 1960s. He experienced a particularly intense period of exposure while working at Kodak Park as a civil engineer. In 1970 he monitored and inspected a job involving the spray application of asbestos performed by Ridge Construction, a subsidiary of Eastman Kodak. Ridge Construction failed to take steps to warn Mr. Meissner of the risks of exposure to asbestos and also failed to protect him from exposure to the deadly mineral fiber.

The $8 million verdict was allocated 80% to the wrongdoing of Ridge Construction, and 20% was allocated to other responsible parties. The jury also found that the conduct of Ridge Construction was reckless.

Wayne Meissner is 73 years old. He and his wife have been married for forty-eight years, and they have four adult children.

“Today a jury in Monroe County said, ‘No More!’ to the careless behavior of the asbestos industry.”

Wayne Meissner, who enlisted in the Navy where he selflessly served his country, valiantly fought for his rights in the courtroom in Rochester, New York, and he won,” said Attorney John P. Comerford after the verdict was delivered.

A Courtroom observer wrote after the trial, “You are an OUTSTANDING Attorney! You were very prepared very knowledgeable about the case subject matter, and passionate. Quite frankly, you were the most talented lawyer in that courtroom by light years. “

If you were exposed to asbestos while performing your work duties and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call Lipsitz, Ponterio & Comerford, LLC at (716) 849-0701 for a free consultation.