In 1999, when attorney John Simmons set up some modest folding tables, rented computers and started taking clients, it was certainly a humble beginning for the newly established mesothelioma law firm.
As a U.S. Army veteran far too familiar with the illnesses caused by asbestos, John Simmons wanted to help individuals and families grappling with the devastation caused by an asbestos-related diagnosis.
In those early days, client stories of perseverance and bravery are what motivated John and the seven original employees to take on some of the biggest companies in the United States.
They were a small, dedicated group that had experience in asbestos litigation and a mission to provide clients with the respect, attention and care they needed and deserved.
It wasn’t long before the firm found success for its clients — first, by winning a record-breaking $34.1 million asbestos verdict for a refinery worker. At the time, it was the highest verdict for a single asbestos plaintiff in the history of Madison County, Illinois.
A few short years later, the firm would go on to smash that record, setting a new national record with a monumental $250 million verdict for a U.S. Steel worker. It’s a record that still stands today — as does John’s founding mission to put clients first.
Today, we’d like to take a moment to celebrate Simmons Hanly Conroy’s 24th anniversary.
Results That Make a Difference
Since the early days of the firm’s history, Simmons Hanly Conroy has become one of the largest mass tort law firms in the country. The firm now consists of more than 250 employees, all of whom strive to provide first-class, sophisticated counsel to our clients.
To meet the needs of our clients, Simmons Hanly Conroy has grown into a formidable trial firm, developing the talent and infrastructure to take high-stakes, complex cases to verdict anywhere in the country.
As Chairman and Partner John Simmons says:
“Not many firms have the legal resources dedicated to the mesothelioma and asbestos litigation process we do. We have amassed an extensive library since 1999.”
The firm has secured more than $500 million in verdicts, including over $234 million in the last five years. With trial wins in multiple courts around the country, including New York, California, Louisiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Missouri, the firm’s national trial expertise is unparalleled among plaintiffs’ firms and offers clients unprecedented access to justice.
Here is a list of our verdict track record:
- $34 million for a Missouri roofer
- $250 million for an Indiana Steelworker
- $5 million for the family of a Missouri woman exposed to asbestos secondhand
- $2.8 million for an Ohio factory worker
- $3 million for the family of a New York pipefitter
- $60 million for a New York laborer
- $40 million for a Washington Navy veteran
- $34 million for a California mechanic
- $30 million for a California construction supervisor
- $20 million for a Missouri mechanic
- $10 million for a New Orleans longshoreman
- Nearly $1 million for an Ohio drywaller
- $8 million for a Louisiana mechanic
- $6.8 million for a Pennsylvania welder
- $3.8 million for the family of a Pennsylvania factory worker
- $15 million for the family of a New York and New Jersey construction worker
In total, Simmons Hanly Conroy has recovered more than $10.6 billion in verdicts and settlements on behalf of thousands of individuals and families harmed by corporate wrongdoing.
More important than this figure, however, are the relationships we’ve forged with families along the way. Our firm could not be prouder to stand in their corner and provide legal assistance when they need it most.
Looking Ahead to a Bright Future
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, we are deeply committed to giving you a strong, powerful voice to stand up for your rights. With centuries of cumulative litigation in service to our clients and communities, we have a proven staff who are ready to give you the attention and respect you deserve.
Since 1999, the firm has also made charity and giving back to the communities it serves a major part of who we are and what we do. In total, we’ve pledged more than $20 million to cancer research, and we continue to be a leading supporter of mesothelioma research and asbestos prevention.
At Simmons Hanly Conroy, it’s been our greatest privilege to work alongside the incredible individuals and families who have been harmed through no fault of their own.
As we celebrate 24 years in practice, we look forward to continuing to earn the trust of our clients and to providing world-class legal services on their behalf.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, call (800) 326-8900 or fill out our contact form for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our team is prepared to fight for the justice you deserve.
