Asbestos Victim Seeks Costs for Court

2009-04-17 03:53:09 (GMT) (WiredPRNews.com - Mesothelioma Asbestos, Press Releases)

Attorneys for a mechanic who was awarded a personal injury judgment due to asbestos exposure are now stating the judgment should include court costs.

A man who was awarded a judgment last year against Ford Motor Company for being exposed to asbestos during his employment, is now seeking to obtain court costs from the company. As reported by ABC News Australia, lawyers for Tony Lo Presti have argued to an appeals court that they believe Ford is responsible for Lo Presti’s legal fees in addition to the $840,000 judgment received.

As noted in the report, Lo Presti developed asbestosis after being exposed to asbestos fibers while working as a break mechanic for Ford in the 1970s and 1980s. He was awarded $840,000 in damages after his 2008 trial, in which a judge found Ford to be negligent. Lo Presti reportedly offered to settle the claim initially for $450,000, which was rejected by Ford. Attorneys for Lo Presti allege that the company’s rejection makes them liable for the legal bills accumulated from having to go to trial.