Chicago, IL (April 2, 2018) - Vogelzang Law, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of mesothelioma throughout the US, will host its first Annual Mesothelioma Race for Justice on September 22, 2018 in tribute to National Mesothelioma Awareness Day. The 5K race will be held at the Lake County Forest Preserve Half Day location in Vernon Hills, IL at 9 a.m. The proceeds from this year’s race will benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
“Vogelzang Law is proud to present the 2018 Mesothelioma Race for Justice, benefiting the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. It is exhilarating and gratifying to help bring the mesothelioma community together and heighten awareness of this debilitating disease. There is something undeniably unifying and exciting about a sporting event, so in the name of community, competition, health and awareness, we encourage you all to enjoy the race,” said Caylei Vogelzang, Director of Business Strategy.
The silent auction will begin at 7:30 a.m. on race day. Shortly after that, an opening ceremony will be held to welcome all attendees and the race will commence at 9:00 a.m. During the race, volunteers will distribute Gatorade and water to participants. At 11 a.m., the winners of the silent auction will be announced, and the event will officially end at noon. Post-race, attendees will enjoy refreshments, awesome goodie bags and a huge after party. Each 5K participant will also receive a race medal.
“It is my honor and privilege to step into the role of race director for the Mesothelioma Race for Justice 5K. Through the years as Public Relations Manager at Vogelzang Law, I have seen the devastating and cruel effects of this disease first hand. I have also seen the inspiring stories of hope and perseverance in one day finding a cure. Through the funds raised for the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation, my belief is that one day we can find that cure. I have been fortunate to see the brave families our firm has represented, who in the face of fear and adversity, are willing to stand as a community, support one another, and reach out to other families that have been affected by this disease. This race is our contribution to their tenacity,” said Race Organizer and Vogelzang Law’s Public Relations Manager Mirela Stefanescu.
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding mesothelioma research in hopes of finding better treatment options and a cure. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries.
"We’re thrilled that Vogelzang Law is sponsoring a race to benefit the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation. The funds raised will support the Foundation's programs, including research, patient support throughout diagnosis, treatment, and beyond; and financial aid for travel to obtain new treatment options," said Melinda Kotzian, CEO of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation.
A keynote speaker and leading the race will be Chris Hagn, who lost his father to mesothelioma. Chris’s personal, heartfelt story will inspire other families who are going through or have gone through similar experiences as him.
The registration fee for the race is $45. Everyone who registers will receive a race day shirt at packet pick-up and a medal at the finish line. Packet pick-up will take place at the Fleet Feet Deerfield location, dates and times will be announced closer to race day.
Sponsors for the event are MARF, Fleet Feet, Rush University, the American Lung Association, the American Cancer Society, Hinckley Springs, Lifeway, Safe + Fair Food Company, the Chicago Wolves and Gilda’s. Anyone who wishes to volunteer or be a sponsor is welcome to sign up.
Registration is now open. Visit www.mesotheliomaraceforjustice.com.
#
About Vogezlang Law
Vogelzang Law, we represent and advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure. With over 16 years of experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, we have the specialized knowledge and resources needed to litigate complicated cases and the compassion to advocate wholeheartedly for our clients.
About MARF
The Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation (MARF) devotes extensive efforts to funding research for better treatments and a cure for Mesothelioma. They have awarded over $10 million to 106 high-quality, promising research projects in six different countries. This funding has helped 240 pieces to be published as a result of these research projects and on average, 600 people are helped every month by these efforts. MARF funds research in early detection, prevention, and treatment of Mesothelioma, and they have firmly supported the ban of asbestos since their establishment.
A Cook County Court will see a case against a North Dakota company, thanks to a momentous order by Honorable Judge Clare E. McWilliams granting personal jurisdiction to the Illinois forum.
The February 20th order in the John C. Clark v. A.W. Chesterton Company, et al. case sets a new precedent for Illinois residents seeking trial in their home state and offers a more efficient path to justice in mesothelioma and asbestos cases.
While working as an employee of the Illinois-based United Conveyor Corporation, John C. Clark was contracted for a job for the North Dakota Great River Energy company. As such, he traveled back and forth between the two states. For the duration of his contract with GRE, Clark was subjected to asbestos exposure both on the job and upon his return home to Illinois, where the “take-home exposure” from asbestos dust on his clothes and shoes continued to damage his lungs.
Seeking relief from his injury, Clark sued GRE in Illinois court, only for the company to attempt to have the case dismissed over a personal jurisdiction dispute.
Judge McWilliams’ order denies GRE’s claims that personal jurisdiction cannot be established in Illinois and company requests to relocate the trial to North Dakota or Minnesota due to their location. Such claims would allow the company to put a greater burden on the injured party, forcing Clark to relocate the case.
In her order, the judge stated that because GRE worked with an Illinois company, and allowed employees to travel back into the state without establishing proper safety precautions that prevented asbestos exposure in Cook County, the case should be tried in an Illinois Court. As Clark’s injury occurred in Illinois, the state will have jurisdiction and be allowed to try the case.
The decision also protects Clark’s chances of obtaining “efficient and effective relief”, allowing him to remain in Illinois and avoid the expenses of multiple lawsuits across state lines.
This development marks a historic victory for asbestos and mesothelioma victims seeking legal recourse. Many employees who have suffered occupational exposure to asbestos traveled out-of-state for their jobs, frequently in professions like construction or industrial work. A multijurisdictional case, in which a Plaintiff must seek trial in every state in which they worked and suffered exposure, can be lengthy and complicated, causing undue stress and financial difficulty to injured parties seeking justice.
Judge McWilliams’ decision in Clark v. A.W. Chesterton creates a model which future mesothelioma cases may follow and outlines a swift and uncomplicated path to justice for victims of asbestos exposure. Thanks to Judge McWilliams, Illinois workers seeking redress for injury inflicted by out-of-state companies may be able to remain in their home state for trial.
Chicago, IL - Vogelzang Law, a Chicago-based personal injury law firm dedicated to representing victims of mesothelioma throughout the United States, announced their new office space located at 401 N. Michigan Ave, Suite 350, Chicago, IL. The new larger office space has excellent views, professional meeting rooms, a comfortable “think tank,” a memorial wall and a highly functional and collaborative space for the firm’s dedicated attorneys and staff.
“We are so excited about our new office! We look forward to welcoming our new and current clients and sharing this wonderful space with everyone from Vogelzang Law,” said Caylei Vogelzang, Director of Business Strategy.
The new office is located in a beautiful spot right by the Chicago River in a historical landmark building, which includes a gym, a cafe, and an upscale floor with conference space and lounges.
For more information, visit: www.vogelzanglaw.com or call 312-466-1669.
About Vogelzang Law
Vogelzang Law represents and advocates for individuals diagnosed with cancer as a result of asbestos exposure. With more than 16 years of experience in mesothelioma and asbestos litigation, we have the specialized knowledge and resources needed to litigate complicated cases and the compassion necessary to advocate wholeheartedly for our clients.
After a number of years working in asbestos litigation firms, attorney Nicholas Vogelzang founded Vogelzang Law in 2016 as a personal injury law firm dedicated to victims of mesothelioma in the United States. We understand the difficulties that come with a devastating asbestos-related diagnosis, and our goal is to lessen our clients’ load by providing top-notch legal representation.