Toxic Substances

Why You Should Hire A Lawyer - Grace Zonolite Litigation

UPDATE: The Levensten Law Firm, P.C. is no longer accepting new Grace Zonolite clients.

Why You Should Retain A Lawyer To Handle Grace Claims For Zonolite Removal, Property Damage and Diminished Value

Presenting a claim for damages in a bankruptcy proceeding can be complicated and often requires the assistance of attorneys with experience in handling such claims.  We know, because Scott Levensten, Esquire, spent years representing claimants in bankruptcy proceedings against several nutritional supplement manufacturers.  Simply submitting a bankruptcy proof of claim form, such as the Grace Claim form, does not guarantee that you will be fairly compensated.  You need a champion in your corner to advocate your position.

Often in bankruptcy proceedings, creditor committees are formed to negotiate settlements for groups of creditors, and then an allocation process is initiated to determine how much each creditor should recover.  Regarding the Grace Claims, those who require Zonolite Removal, and who have suffered property damage and diminished value to their properties would be considered property damage creditors.  I anticipate a property damage creditors’ committee negotiating a global property damage settlement for property damage victims, potentially through mediation or other form of dispute resolution.  At this point, the role of your lawyer would be to adequately present the measure of your damages so that the committee knows how much is needed to satisfy everyone’s claims.  Once that settlement is reached, the allocation process would start. At this point, your lawyer’s role would be to negotiate the highest allocation for you.  If you were unsatisfied and wanted to reject your allocation, your lawyer would explore and present to you all of your other legal options.

Thus, as you can see, participating in a bankruptcy proceeding involves much more than simply submitting a proof of claim.  We have the experience that is necessary to fully protect your rights in submitting your Grace Claim.  We would welcome the opportunity to represent you in your Grace Claim for Zonolite removal, property damage and diminished value.

Learn More: “Grace Zonolite Attic Insulation Bankruptcy Claims Information“

Grace Zonolite Attic Insulation Bankruptcy Claims Information

UPDATE: The Levensten Law Firm, P.C. is no longer accepting new Grace Zonolite clients.

W.R. Grace & Co. and other related entities (“Grace” or “Debtors”) voluntarily reorganization under Chapter 11 of the United States Bankruptcy Code on April 2, 2001 in the United States Bankruptcy Court of the District of Delaware.

If you have Zonolite Attic Insulation (“ZAI”), our experienced attorneys may be able to assist you in submitting claims for the cost of abatement or removal, the diminished property value, economic loss, and/ or other property-related claims caused by ZAI manufactured by Grace.

Learn More: “Why You Should Retain A Lawyer To Handle Grace Claims For Zonolite Removal, Property Damage and Diminished Value“

On June 17, 2008 Bankruptcy Judge Judith K. Fitzgerald ordered that all persons and entities with Zonolite Attic Insulation claims (“ZAI Claims”) against Grace must file these claims before October 31, 2008 (the “Bar Date”).

ZAI is a loose-fill, non-roll vermiculite home attic insulation, which may contain naturally occurring asbestos.  It was sold form the 1920/1930s to 1984, and it was sold or manufactured by Grace under the brand name of “Zonolite Attic Insulation” and by others under various other names.  ZAI may have a glittery granular appearance.  The granules are shaped like a small nugget and expanded like an accordion and may have a silvery, gold translucent or brownish cast.  After years in the attic, the granules may darken to black or gray.  ZAI may be found underneath subsequently installed insulation of other types such as rolled fiberglass insulation.

ZAI claims could include, among others, the cost of abatement or removal, the diminished property value, economic loss, or other property-related claims caused by ZAI manufactured by Grace.

The experienced attorneys at the Levensten Law Firm, PC, may be able to assist you in submitting your ZAI claims as long as you contact us in advance of the October 31, 2008 Bar Date.