Brittany Russell

Brittany A. Russell joined Weitz & Luxenberg’s knowledgeable and committed Mesothelioma and Asbestos litigation unit in May 2018. “I’m excited for the opportunity to work at Weitz & Luxenberg and to represent the wonderful families who come to us for help,” indicates Ms. Russell.

Weitz & Luxenberg feels equally privileged Ms. Russell decided to join our team of asbestos and mesothelioma attorneys. She brings an enthusiasm and energy that are well matched among her colleagues.

“As far back as I can remember, I’ve wanted to be an attorney and help people,” Ms. Russell points out. “Over the past few years, I’ve had the chance to be able to work with clients who have developed mesothelioma and other illnesses from asbestos exposure.

“These families have had to face some of the most difficult challenges in their lives, but meeting with them in their homes, hearing and sharing their stories with jurors, and achieving a victory for them is incredibly rewarding and satisfying,” Ms. Russell says.

“There’s no better place to do that than Weitz & Luxenberg,” Ms. Russell adds.

“Years ago, before I was born, my great grandfather was a client of Weitz & Luxenberg. He developed lung cancer from exposure to asbestos while working as a welder at the Brooklyn Navy Yard.

“When I work with clients who have developed mesothelioma, I have an opportunity to visit them in their kitchens and get to know them. I want to do the very best I can to help them.

“I imagine being in their shoes. I want them to share their stories with me so I can share their stories with others. I want to be an advocate for them. Especially in court, if it comes to that.

“I want to tell jurors exactly what asbestos exposure can do, how it can change lives and hurt families.

“As early as 1898, people suspected asbestos was dangerous. By 1918, insurance companies knew enough about its dangers that they would not sell life insurance to asbestos workers,” Ms. Russell explains.

“Companies that continued to expose people to asbestos acted unconscionably. I can’t undo what they’ve done to harm families, but I can and will fight for the compensation our clients and their families deserve.

Ms. Russell comes to Weitz & Luxenberg an experienced asbestos and mesothelioma attorney. She has been representing victims of asbestos exposure for more than four years.

Clients at her previous employer had developed mesothelioma and lung cancer. Not only has Ms. Russell tried dozens of cases in New York, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania, she has also secured victories on behalf of her clients suffering from asbestos-related diseases.

In November 2021, Ms. Russell secured a $23 million jury verdict for her client. Her client was an office worker in an industrial laundry facility, who contracted mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos containing press pads.

“Our client had been battling mesothelioma for over five years. She had tried every treatment available to her, including experimental clinical trials. She said she knew there probably wouldn’t be a cure for mesothelioma in her lifetime, but she hoped her participation in clinical trials would spare somebody else from suffering in the future. It was an absolute honor to represent such a kind-hearted, resilient woman. I’m grateful to the jurors, who listened to her story, believed her, and returned a verdict that acknowledged her tremendous suffering,” shares Ms. Russell.

In October 2017, Ms. Russell won a $13.61 million verdict on behalf of a 59-year-old client who had developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos decades before. From 1977 to 1980, he worked at a power plant when he was in his late teens and early 20s.

“He was the greatest guy,” Ms. Russell recalls. “He was young — my parents’ age. He left behind a wife and two daughters. His family reminded me of my family. I can’t imagine the pain of losing your dad to an asbestos-related disease. It’s a tragedy that should not have happened.

“Mesothelioma is completely preventable. The defendants in that case knew they were exposing people to a carcinogen, and they lied about it. It’s horrific and absolutely inexcusable.

“As attorneys, we’re not able to undo the harm our clients have suffered. But if I can play a role in securing a victory for our clients and provide some compensation, that is satisfying. I’d like to believe I’ve made their lives and their family’s a little better,” Ms. Russell says.