The Supreme Court appeared divided Monday in two cases in which businesses are trying to make it harder for customers or investors to band together to sue them.
The justices heard arguments in appeals from biotech company Amgen Inc. and cable provider Comcast Corp. that seek to shut down class-action lawsuits against the businesses.
Amgen is fighting securities fraud claims that misstatements about two of its drugs used to treat anemia artificially inflated its stock price. Comcast is facing a lawsuit from customers who say the company's monopoly in parts of the Philadelphia area allowed it to raise prices unfairly.
Last year, the Supreme Court raised the bar for some class-action suits when it sided with Wal-Mart against up to 1.6 million of its female employees who complained of sex discrimination. In the Wal-Mart case, the court said there were too many women in too many jobs at the nation's largest private employer to wrap into one lawsuit.
Class actions increase pressure on businesses to settle suits because of the cost of defending them and the potential for very large judgments.
Connecticut pension funds that sued Amgen said lower courts correctly ruled that the case could move forward as a class action. The issue at the Supreme Court is whether the pension funds have to show at an early stage of the lawsuit that Amgen's claims about the safety and effectiveness of the drugs Aranesp and Epogen affected the stock price.
Several justices indicated they had no problem with the idea that, unlike in the Wal-Mart case, all the Amgen investors were in the same boat and could clear an early hurdle that tripped up the Wal-Mart employees.
Thursday, November 8, 2012
Tuesday, October 16, 2012
DUI Defense Attorney in Pittsburg
When you are charged with a DUI, carefully choosing a lawyer to defend your case is a crucial step. If you are convicted for driving under the influence, there can be many challenges or potential hindrances that may come your way. Hiring a knowledgeable attorney who is familiar in all areas of DUI law can increase your chances of lowering your penalties involved in drunk driving. Your freedom is at stake and this could be an extremely stressful time for you and your family.
Like all cases, depending on the specific circumstances of your DUI charge and it's evidence thats available. A skilled lawyer will know what to look for and how to use important evidence and facts to create a viable defense on your part for a successful outcome. When you are accused of driving under the influence, there are several questions you have to consider such as: did the officer have cause to stop you and cause to have you perform a field sobriety test? Were the field sobriety tests valid? Do they have a correlation to intoxication? Do you have any medical problems that might have impacted your performance on field sobriety tests?
Dealing with a DUI conviction could be messier than you can imagine. There are many processes that are involved because DUIs are never taken lightly. Picking apart the police report and criminal complaint are also basic that should be considered in every case.
If you find yourself in need of a DUI defense attorney, you can turn to attorney Gerald B McNamara. To schedule an appointment to speak about your case, call 412-429-4360 or visit him on the web at http://www.gbmlawpittsburgh.com/criminal-defense/dui
Like all cases, depending on the specific circumstances of your DUI charge and it's evidence thats available. A skilled lawyer will know what to look for and how to use important evidence and facts to create a viable defense on your part for a successful outcome. When you are accused of driving under the influence, there are several questions you have to consider such as: did the officer have cause to stop you and cause to have you perform a field sobriety test? Were the field sobriety tests valid? Do they have a correlation to intoxication? Do you have any medical problems that might have impacted your performance on field sobriety tests?
Dealing with a DUI conviction could be messier than you can imagine. There are many processes that are involved because DUIs are never taken lightly. Picking apart the police report and criminal complaint are also basic that should be considered in every case.
If you find yourself in need of a DUI defense attorney, you can turn to attorney Gerald B McNamara. To schedule an appointment to speak about your case, call 412-429-4360 or visit him on the web at http://www.gbmlawpittsburgh.com/criminal-defense/dui
Monday, August 6, 2012
Ga. court ruling could tighten foreclosure rules
A court ruling in Georgia could force those foreclosing on homes to disclose who actually owns the loan.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the July 12 ruling by the Georgia Court of Appeals applies mostly to foreclosures that happened from 2008 to 2011. It could leave banks vulnerable to lawsuits filed by those who lost their homes. It could also have consequences for ongoing foreclosures.
The ruling last month said that the name of the owner of a mortgage must appear in foreclosure filings and notices sent to delinquent borrowers. The notice must also reflect whether it was sent by the secured creditor or someone acting on the creditor's behalf.
Many lenders sell their loans to mortgage services that handle paperwork but don't own the loans.
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports that the July 12 ruling by the Georgia Court of Appeals applies mostly to foreclosures that happened from 2008 to 2011. It could leave banks vulnerable to lawsuits filed by those who lost their homes. It could also have consequences for ongoing foreclosures.
The ruling last month said that the name of the owner of a mortgage must appear in foreclosure filings and notices sent to delinquent borrowers. The notice must also reflect whether it was sent by the secured creditor or someone acting on the creditor's behalf.
Many lenders sell their loans to mortgage services that handle paperwork but don't own the loans.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Eugene Family Law Firm - MJM Law Office, P.C.
MJM Law Office, P.C. represents men and women throughout Lane County and surrounding areas in family law cases. Mr. Mizejewski understands the emotional turmoil that can accompany a change in your family dynamics, and he strives to protect your interests. Working in the Eugene, Oregon area, MJM Law Office represents most family law matters including: divorce, child custody, parenting time, child/spousal support, domestic violence, and juvenile dependency and delinquency. Oregon’s divorce laws are codified in Chapter 107 of the Oregon Revised Statutes. Oregon is a no-fault divorce state, which means that the only legal reason required to file a divorce is that you and your spouse cannot get along, and you see no way of settling your problems. The legal term for this is "irreconcilable differences." No evidence of fault or misconduct is required or involved, unless there has been misconduct relating to child custody.
MJM Law Office is an experienced family law firm located in Eugene, Oregon and consistently fight hard for the rights of the victims of family matters and cases. Their attorneys are able to ease one of the most emotionally draining and difficult experiences and ensure that your rights are protected. Let them help you prepare for the future and move on with your life. Visit mjmlawoffice.com for more information.
MJM Law Office is an experienced family law firm located in Eugene, Oregon and consistently fight hard for the rights of the victims of family matters and cases. Their attorneys are able to ease one of the most emotionally draining and difficult experiences and ensure that your rights are protected. Let them help you prepare for the future and move on with your life. Visit mjmlawoffice.com for more information.
Indianapolis Legal Malpractice Law Firm - Price Waicukauski & Riley, LLC
If you have suffered financial loss due to the negligence of your attorney, you may have a claim for legal malpractice. Proving legal malpractice can be complex and many firms shy away from this type of work.
Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney's conduct falls below the standard of care to be expected of a lawyer, causing damage to the client. Examples of Legal Malpractice include:
Legal malpractice occurs when an attorney's conduct falls below the standard of care to be expected of a lawyer, causing damage to the client. Examples of Legal Malpractice include:
- When a lawyer fails to file a claim within the applicable statute of limitation.
- When a lawyer fails to meet a deadline that causes a client's case to be dismissed.
- When a lawyer makes a serious mistake when writing a contract or a will that results in a loss to the client.
- It is not legal malpractice just because a client loses a case. There must be evidence that the lawyer handled a matter so poorly as to fall below the standard expected of a lawyer.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
2 men sentenced in Palin lawyer harassment case
Two Pennsylvania men convicted of harassing Sarah Palin's Alaska lawyers were sentenced Friday to time served and five years' probation, with the proceedings briefly halted after a short outburst in court by one of the defendants.
During his sentencing in U.S. District Court in Anchorage, 20-year-old Shawn Christy said the judge's order that he live up to six months in a Pennsylvania community re-entry program was "ridiculous."
His father, Craig Christy, 48, was ordered to perform community service.
The Christys, of McAdoo, Pa., pleaded guilty in January to making harassing phone calls to Palin's attorneys. Attorney John Tiemessen testified that the men's calls threatened Palin and attorneys. Both Christys apologized Friday for their actions.
Shawn Christy was released and sent back to Pennsylvania last month after an evaluation report said he wasn't a danger to the public.
During his sentencing in U.S. District Court in Anchorage, 20-year-old Shawn Christy said the judge's order that he live up to six months in a Pennsylvania community re-entry program was "ridiculous."
His father, Craig Christy, 48, was ordered to perform community service.
The Christys, of McAdoo, Pa., pleaded guilty in January to making harassing phone calls to Palin's attorneys. Attorney John Tiemessen testified that the men's calls threatened Palin and attorneys. Both Christys apologized Friday for their actions.
Shawn Christy was released and sent back to Pennsylvania last month after an evaluation report said he wasn't a danger to the public.
Friday, May 11, 2012
NY court upholds firing of hedge fund officer
New York's top court has upheld the firing of a hedge fund compliance officer who says he confronted its chief executive about improperly selling personal stock before doing the same for clients.
The Court of Appeals ruled 5-2 in rejecting Joseph Sullivan's damages claim against Peconic Partners, Peconic Asset Management and fund President William Harnisch.
The majority says New York common law generally gives an employer the "unimpaired" right to fire an at-will employee, with a few exceptions. It says there is no exception for wrongful discharge of a hedge fund's compliance officer.
Dissenters say the court should expand an exception it has carved out for lawyers who get fired for insisting on professional ethics. They say the majority ruling "facilitates the perpetuation of frauds."
The Court of Appeals ruled 5-2 in rejecting Joseph Sullivan's damages claim against Peconic Partners, Peconic Asset Management and fund President William Harnisch.
The majority says New York common law generally gives an employer the "unimpaired" right to fire an at-will employee, with a few exceptions. It says there is no exception for wrongful discharge of a hedge fund's compliance officer.
Dissenters say the court should expand an exception it has carved out for lawyers who get fired for insisting on professional ethics. They say the majority ruling "facilitates the perpetuation of frauds."
Wednesday, May 9, 2012
Designer Louboutin hits back in red sole lawsuit
Renowned French shoe designer Christian Louboutin has defended his court battle to protect his famous red stiletto soles.
Louboutin, who is suing fellow French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent for trademark infringement in a U.S. court, argues that he is not trying to monopolize the color red.
The designer said Monday he is defending his ownership to "a specific color in a specific place" of a shoe.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Louboutin called YSL's parent company PPR hypocritical because one of its brands, Gucci, also claims ownership of a specific color combination — red and green stripes — in its logo.
Louboutin was in London to open a major retrospective exhibition at the Design Museum to mark the 20th anniversary of the brand.
Louboutin, who is suing fellow French fashion house Yves Saint Laurent for trademark infringement in a U.S. court, argues that he is not trying to monopolize the color red.
The designer said Monday he is defending his ownership to "a specific color in a specific place" of a shoe.
In an interview with The Associated Press, Louboutin called YSL's parent company PPR hypocritical because one of its brands, Gucci, also claims ownership of a specific color combination — red and green stripes — in its logo.
Louboutin was in London to open a major retrospective exhibition at the Design Museum to mark the 20th anniversary of the brand.
Sunday, April 8, 2012
2 life terms for Phoenix man who fatally beat kids
A Phoenix man was sentenced to two terms of life in prison Wednesday for brutally beating two boys to death with a baseball bat in a random attack in 2008 two days before Christmas — a crime that shook their neighborhood and the entire Phoenix area.
Joe Sauceda Gallegos, 39, was sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix after agreeing to plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder to avoid getting the death penalty.
Maricopa County Bill Montgomery told The Associated Press that prosecutors were willing to give up seeking Gallegos' execution because of his mental-health issues, which would have further delayed the case and could have made him exempt from the death penalty anyway.
He said prosecutors discussed the plea agreement with the boys' family members at length, and they agreed that life in prison would be a just resolution given the circumstances.
"True justice would be bringing those boys back, and that's just not going to happen," Montgomery said.
Cousins Jesse Ramirez, 7, and Edwin Pellecier, 10, were playing at a west Phoenix park on Dec. 23, 2008, when Gallegos attacked them at random with a baseball bat and repeatedly bludgeoned them.
A neighbor found the boys with massive head injuries soon after, and Gallegos was arrested within hours of the attack. Police said his shoes and clothes were bloodied and he smelled of chlorine.
Joe Sauceda Gallegos, 39, was sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court in downtown Phoenix after agreeing to plead guilty to two counts of first-degree murder to avoid getting the death penalty.
Maricopa County Bill Montgomery told The Associated Press that prosecutors were willing to give up seeking Gallegos' execution because of his mental-health issues, which would have further delayed the case and could have made him exempt from the death penalty anyway.
He said prosecutors discussed the plea agreement with the boys' family members at length, and they agreed that life in prison would be a just resolution given the circumstances.
"True justice would be bringing those boys back, and that's just not going to happen," Montgomery said.
Cousins Jesse Ramirez, 7, and Edwin Pellecier, 10, were playing at a west Phoenix park on Dec. 23, 2008, when Gallegos attacked them at random with a baseball bat and repeatedly bludgeoned them.
A neighbor found the boys with massive head injuries soon after, and Gallegos was arrested within hours of the attack. Police said his shoes and clothes were bloodied and he smelled of chlorine.
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
Houston Auto Accident & Insurance Claims Law Firm
If you've been involved in an auto accident caused by speeding, drunk
driving (DWI), unsafe lane changes, following too closely, running red
lights & stop signs, reckless truck drivers, or any other cause, we
ask you to keep the following in mind: Insurance companies are in the
business of making money, not paying policies. If the insurance company
is giving you the run-around, call The Salazar Law Firm today.
If you've been injured in an accident, your claim may be significantly weakened if you don't take the right steps. Get medical treatment for your pain and injuries as soon as possible. Insurance companies pay close attention to “lapses in treatment” and whether or not you sought treatment immediately after the accident happened.
The Salazar Law Firm is a Houston based firm that has expertise in defending clients facing auto accidents and insurance claims. Their attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden an car accident or personal injury can be on an individual and their families. Their goal is to lessen the stress for their clients by managing the complex procedures with insurance companies, medical facilities, and opposing insurance defense lawyers. They have the experience you need and give the attention you deserve. Visit http://www.hurtinhouston.com for more information.
If you've been injured in an accident, your claim may be significantly weakened if you don't take the right steps. Get medical treatment for your pain and injuries as soon as possible. Insurance companies pay close attention to “lapses in treatment” and whether or not you sought treatment immediately after the accident happened.
The Salazar Law Firm is a Houston based firm that has expertise in defending clients facing auto accidents and insurance claims. Their attorneys understand the physical, emotional, and financial burden an car accident or personal injury can be on an individual and their families. Their goal is to lessen the stress for their clients by managing the complex procedures with insurance companies, medical facilities, and opposing insurance defense lawyers. They have the experience you need and give the attention you deserve. Visit http://www.hurtinhouston.com for more information.
Judge blocks day labor rules in AZ immigration law
A federal judge blocked police in Arizona from enforcing a section of
the state's 2010 immigration enforcement law that prohibited people from
blocking traffic when they seek or offer day labor services on streets.
U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled Wednesday that groups seeking to overturn the law will likely prevail in their claim that the day labor rules violate the First Amendment. She rejected arguments by the state that the rules were needed for traffic safety and pointed out that the law, also known as SB1070, says its purpose is to make attrition through enforcement the immigration policy of state and local government agencies.
"This purposes clause applies to all sections of SB1070, and nowhere does it state that a purpose of the statutes and statutory revisions is to enhance traffic safety," the judge wrote.
The ban was among a handful of provisions in the law that were allowed to take effect after a July 2010 decision by Bolton halted enforcement of other, more controversial elements of the law. The previously blocked portions include a requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, question people's immigration status if officers suspect they are in the country illegally.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Gov. Jan Brewer's appeal of Bolton's decision to put the most contentious elements of the law on hold. Another appeals court has already upheld Bolton's July 2010 ruling.
U.S. District Judge Susan Bolton ruled Wednesday that groups seeking to overturn the law will likely prevail in their claim that the day labor rules violate the First Amendment. She rejected arguments by the state that the rules were needed for traffic safety and pointed out that the law, also known as SB1070, says its purpose is to make attrition through enforcement the immigration policy of state and local government agencies.
"This purposes clause applies to all sections of SB1070, and nowhere does it state that a purpose of the statutes and statutory revisions is to enhance traffic safety," the judge wrote.
The ban was among a handful of provisions in the law that were allowed to take effect after a July 2010 decision by Bolton halted enforcement of other, more controversial elements of the law. The previously blocked portions include a requirement that police, while enforcing other laws, question people's immigration status if officers suspect they are in the country illegally.
The U.S. Supreme Court has agreed to hear Gov. Jan Brewer's appeal of Bolton's decision to put the most contentious elements of the law on hold. Another appeals court has already upheld Bolton's July 2010 ruling.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Hogan Lovells merger makes firm one of largest in U.S.
Every month, we like to recognize some of the law firms throughout the country that have stuck out in the news we read to relay back for our opinions on Insider Attorney News. Today, we are honored to announce the recognition of Hogan Lovells and their accomplishment of establishing one of the largest firms in the United States. See more below for their recognition and information.
Over the years, Hogan & Hartson has made no secret about its intention to expand. In 1990, the Washington law firm opened its first international outpost, in London.
After Chairman Warren Gorrell took the helm in 2001, firm revenue doubled as he supervised the acquisition of offices in Munich, Beijing and Abu Dhabi.
But the firm's growth has mostly occurred in fits and starts by snapping up smaller offices in the United States and abroad -- until May 1 when the already big firm doubled in size after formally completing its merger with Lovells, a London-based firm with a similar growth strategy and 29 offices worldwide.
The combination is likely to propel the longtime D.C. firm into the top three among U.S. firms in both the number of attorneys and gross revenue.
Over the years, Hogan & Hartson has made no secret about its intention to expand. In 1990, the Washington law firm opened its first international outpost, in London.
After Chairman Warren Gorrell took the helm in 2001, firm revenue doubled as he supervised the acquisition of offices in Munich, Beijing and Abu Dhabi.
But the firm's growth has mostly occurred in fits and starts by snapping up smaller offices in the United States and abroad -- until May 1 when the already big firm doubled in size after formally completing its merger with Lovells, a London-based firm with a similar growth strategy and 29 offices worldwide.
The combination is likely to propel the longtime D.C. firm into the top three among U.S. firms in both the number of attorneys and gross revenue.
Law firm Cole Schotz comes to Texas
Another one comes to Texas! The Lone Star State is gaining popularity and many law firms from other states have looked to expand or relocate to the state of Texas. Congratulations to Cole Schotz law firm for the continual expansion and many successes to come.
New Jersey law firm Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard has hired a trio of Fort Worth bankruptcy attorneys.
Michael Warner, Emily Chou and Rachel Obaldo have joined the firm. The three were formerly with the firm WarnerStevens LLP, which is dissolving.
They will open a new office for Cole Schotz in Fort Worth.
The move is the firm's first expansion into Texas. It also has offices New York, Delaware Maryland and Texas.
New Jersey law firm Cole, Schotz, Meisel, Forman & Leonard has hired a trio of Fort Worth bankruptcy attorneys.
Michael Warner, Emily Chou and Rachel Obaldo have joined the firm. The three were formerly with the firm WarnerStevens LLP, which is dissolving.
They will open a new office for Cole Schotz in Fort Worth.
The move is the firm's first expansion into Texas. It also has offices New York, Delaware Maryland and Texas.
Local Law Firm Joins BP Class Action
Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler PLLC is joining firms who
have filed class-action lawsuits relating to the Gulf of Mexico oil
spill.
A Charleston law firm has joined a consortium of 10 law firms filing lawsuits against British Petroleum relating to a recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The law firm of Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler PLLC is joining firms throughout the country who have filed class-action lawsuits on behalf of people who allege they have been damaged by the spill.
According to a release by the Kennedy Environmental Law Group, or KELG, the oil spill and the inability of BP to contain the spill, has resulted in significant damage to the fishery ecosystem and the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
The consortium has filed suits in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.
Ed Hill, an attorney for Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, said the law firms involved with the cases all have been involved in previous environmental law cases. He said the suits were filed after the firms recognized the enormous environmental disaster occurring in the Gulf of Mexico.
A Charleston law firm has joined a consortium of 10 law firms filing lawsuits against British Petroleum relating to a recent oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.
The law firm of Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler PLLC is joining firms throughout the country who have filed class-action lawsuits on behalf of people who allege they have been damaged by the spill.
According to a release by the Kennedy Environmental Law Group, or KELG, the oil spill and the inability of BP to contain the spill, has resulted in significant damage to the fishery ecosystem and the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama and Florida.
The consortium has filed suits in Louisiana, Alabama and Florida.
Ed Hill, an attorney for Hill, Peterson, Carper, Bee & Deitzler, said the law firms involved with the cases all have been involved in previous environmental law cases. He said the suits were filed after the firms recognized the enormous environmental disaster occurring in the Gulf of Mexico.
Fees for Madoff trustee's law firm top $50 million
A law firm employing the trustee winding down Bernard Madoff's
investment firm has won court approval to be paid $20.3 million of
additional fees, pushing its total to $50.9 million for 13-1/2 months of
work.
In an order made public on Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland in Manhattan authorized the additional payment to Baker & Hostetler LLP, plus reimbursement of $390,200 of expenses, covering the Oct. 1, 2009 to Jan. 31, 2010 period.
Baker & Hostetler has been awarded $59.8 million of fees overall, but is deferring 15 percent, or $9 million, until the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC is complete, court records show.
Irving Picard, the court-appointed trustee and a Baker & Hostetler partner, has been trying to recover assets for victims of Madoff and his estimated $65 billion Ponzi scheme. He has separately been awarded $1.93 million in fees.
Lifland's order came over the objections of some Madoff victims. They believe Picard either undervalues some claims, allows claims to be paid too slowly, or has a conflict of interest because he also represents the interests of the Securities Investor Protection Corp against the victims.
In an order made public on Thursday, U.S. Bankruptcy Judge Burton Lifland in Manhattan authorized the additional payment to Baker & Hostetler LLP, plus reimbursement of $390,200 of expenses, covering the Oct. 1, 2009 to Jan. 31, 2010 period.
Baker & Hostetler has been awarded $59.8 million of fees overall, but is deferring 15 percent, or $9 million, until the liquidation of Bernard L. Madoff Investment Securities LLC is complete, court records show.
Irving Picard, the court-appointed trustee and a Baker & Hostetler partner, has been trying to recover assets for victims of Madoff and his estimated $65 billion Ponzi scheme. He has separately been awarded $1.93 million in fees.
Lifland's order came over the objections of some Madoff victims. They believe Picard either undervalues some claims, allows claims to be paid too slowly, or has a conflict of interest because he also represents the interests of the Securities Investor Protection Corp against the victims.
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
Italian court convicts 2 in asbestos-linked deaths
An Italian court Monday convicted two men of negligence in some 2,000
asbestos-related deaths blamed on contamination from a construction
company, sentencing each of them to 16 years in prison and ordering them
to pay millions in what officials called a historic case.
Italian Health Minister Renato Balduzzi hailed the verdict by the three-judge Turin court as "without exaggeration, truly historic," noting that it came after a long battle for justice.
"It's a great day, but that doesn't mean the battle against asbestos is over," he told Sky TG24 TV, stressing that it is a worldwide problem.
Prosecutors said Jean-Louise de Cartier of Belgium and Stephan Schmidheiny of Switzerland, both key shareholders in the Swiss construction firm Eternit, failed to stop asbestos fibers left over from production of roof coverings and pipes at its northern Italian factories from spreading across the region.
During the trial, which has stretched on since December 2009, some 2,100 deaths or illnesses were blamed on the asbestos fibers, which can cause grave lung problems, including cancer. Prosecutors said the contamination stretched over decades.
The defendants had denied wrongdoing.
Hundreds of people, many of them who had lost parents or spouses to asbestos-linked diseases, crowded the courtroom and two nearby halls to gather for the verdict. When the convictions were announced, some of the spectators wept.
Two hours after announcing the convictions, Judge Giuseppe Casalbore was still reading the court's complete verdict, which included awards of monetary damages from civil lawsuits from some 6,300 victims or their relatives who alleged that loved ones either died or were left ill from asbestos.
Italian Health Minister Renato Balduzzi hailed the verdict by the three-judge Turin court as "without exaggeration, truly historic," noting that it came after a long battle for justice.
"It's a great day, but that doesn't mean the battle against asbestos is over," he told Sky TG24 TV, stressing that it is a worldwide problem.
Prosecutors said Jean-Louise de Cartier of Belgium and Stephan Schmidheiny of Switzerland, both key shareholders in the Swiss construction firm Eternit, failed to stop asbestos fibers left over from production of roof coverings and pipes at its northern Italian factories from spreading across the region.
During the trial, which has stretched on since December 2009, some 2,100 deaths or illnesses were blamed on the asbestos fibers, which can cause grave lung problems, including cancer. Prosecutors said the contamination stretched over decades.
The defendants had denied wrongdoing.
Hundreds of people, many of them who had lost parents or spouses to asbestos-linked diseases, crowded the courtroom and two nearby halls to gather for the verdict. When the convictions were announced, some of the spectators wept.
Two hours after announcing the convictions, Judge Giuseppe Casalbore was still reading the court's complete verdict, which included awards of monetary damages from civil lawsuits from some 6,300 victims or their relatives who alleged that loved ones either died or were left ill from asbestos.
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