Ciano & Goldwasser and Mississippi lawyers obtained a $6.25 million verdict against Lincoln Electric and co-defendants in the latest Ohio federal trial involving neurological injuries caused by toxic welding fumes.  Ciano & Goldwasser and co-counsel represented Curt Cooley, an Iowa ironworker, who contracted manganese poisoning from inhaling welding fumes emitted from Lincoln Electric and other manufacturers’ welding rods.  Andy Goldwasser reiterated his comments as quoted in the October 7^th edition of the Plain Dealer:  “This verdict sends another strong message to Lincoln Electric and other welding rod manufacturers who have known for decades, yet failed to warn, of the toxic poisons emitted from their products that have caused permanent brain injuries to Mr. Cooley and other welders.”  Mr. Goldwasser added, “The tide has shifted against Lincoln Electric and its co-manufacturers, as evidenced by welders’ victories in four out of the last seven jury trials.”

The jury verdict included both compensatory and punitive damages.  In awarding the $6.25 million verdict, the Ohio jury sent a strong message to Lincoln Electric and the co-defendants by assessing $5 million in punitive damages.

A copy of the 10/7/09 Plain Dealer article is located at:

http://www.cleveland.com/business/index.ssf/2009/10/lincoln_electric_other_welding.html