Think about what you were doing in 1994 and all that has happened in your life since then. What would the past twenty-seven (27) years look like if you were fighting for justice during that time?
Mitchel Ashley of The Ashley Firm PLLC in New York City teamed up with the Staten Island law firm of Kuharski Levitz & Giovinazzo and filed a lawsuit on behalf of thirty-two (32) families. They suffered from various forms of cancer due to alleged “toxic dumping at [the] Brookfield and Fresh Kills landfills” in Staten Island. One-third of the plaintiffs did not survive their injuries; however, their families continued to fight on their behalf. Justice was received in December of 2021 when the plaintiffs received an approximate $34 Million settlement, even though the city has not admitted fault.
In a recent article on Spectrum News NY 1, a family member of one of the victims, Robert McFeeley, talked about growing up three (3) blocks from the Fresh Kills landfill. It opened in 1948, and by 1955, it was the “largest landfill in the world.” Mr. McFeeley stated that fires would break out at the landfill, and the ashes would drift on their childhood home and neighborhood. Robert’s brother, Steven, was diagnosed with leukemia and passed away due to his injuries.
Another victim of the toxic poisoning, Scott Osher, was quoted regarding the “four different types of cancer” he sustained and the “over $2 Million in chemos and surgery” he endured.
The fight for justice was a massive mountain to climb. It lasted nearly three (3) decades, forever changing the lives of the families involved.
Congratulations, Mitchel and thank you for all you do! Mitchel handles auto accidents, subway, bus, truck, and train accidents, medical malpractice, police brutality, false arrests, and environmental and housing authority cases as a personal injury attorney. Mitchel also carried the Olympic torch in 2002 throughout the streets of New York.
Advocate Capital, Inc. is proud to work with Mitchel Ashley and support the dedication he shows to his clients and community every day.
