News
Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. Partner Selected Futures Representative for Asbestos Injury Claimants
Sometimes practicing law requires a metaphorical “crystal ball.” That’s true for Bob Bernstein, Managing Partner of Bernstein-Burkley, P.C., who has been appointed legal representative for future asbestos claims for Skinner Engine Company, formerly of Erie, PA. Skinner, a manufacturer of steam engines, was forced into bankruptcy due to more than 28,000 asbestos injury claims filed against it in the past-but it’s tomorrow, not yesterday, that concerns the Pittsburgh law firm.
Bernstein will work together with representatives of the company, the insurance carriers, the other creditors, and the present asbestos claimants to set up a trust, funded by Skinner’s assets and insurance proceeds, to pay present and future claimants. The task involves processing relevant information-such as how many asbestos-laden products were manufactured, how many people may have been exposed to the toxic material, how many future claims may be expected, and so forth-and projecting how much money will be needed to be secured for future settlements.
The family-owned and managed law firm was engaged for this complex endeavor because of its expertise and long history of excellence in handling complex bankruptcy and creditors’ rights cases.
“I am excited about being the Legal Representative for Future Asbestos Claimants and helping to create the Skinner trust,” says Bernstein. “Being involved in litigation and settlement of cases like this one allows us to use not only our extensive knowledge of the law, but also the inexact science of extrapolation. It’s a unique case, one that requires experience, confidence and creative thinking. Being selected to handle it is an honor. And as always, we have a superb team that is up to the challenge.”
# # #
Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. is a family-owned and managed law firm located in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. It is renowned for its expertise in Bankruptcy, Retail and Commercial Collections, Lease Enforcement, Creditors’ Rights and Mortgage Foreclosure. In addition to its more than 35 years of experience in these areas, the firm’s capabilities include Banking, Administrative, Real Estate, Civil, Business and Appellate law. Bernstein-Burkley, P.C. was named a Pennsylvania Super Lawyer for 2004, a designation awarded to the top five percent of Pennsylvania lawyers and sponsored jointly by Philadelphia Magazine and Law & Politics Magazine .
Bob Bernstein can be reached at 412-456-8101 or rbernstein@bernsteinlaw.com.