Defendant, Universal Supply Group, Hawthorne, NJ, a distributor of heating supply products, including asbestos, was found liable by a preponderance of evidence in a jury trial presided over by the Hon. Edward J. Ryan of New Jersey Superior Court in Middlesex County. Deliberation took half a day. The verdict is believed to be largest ever in an asbestos case in New Jersey .

Mr. Moshe Maimon, of Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP and Arnold Lakind of Szaferman, Lakind, Blumstein, Blader and Lehmann represented the plaintiff. Attorney Maimon said, "This is not cause for celebration. I am only glad that this phase of Mr. Rhodes' ordeal is over and that he may now concentrate on getting the best care available and spend his time in the love and comfort of his family." Mr. Rhodes and his wife of 48 years, Doreen are the parents of two daughters and grandparents of six.

Attorney Maimon said "The fact that a case like this hasn't been tried in over eight years in New Jersey is somewhat of a disappointment. It goes right to the heart of our philosophy - we fight for our clients, and only settle for fair value."

Levy Phillips & Konigsberg, LLP is a nationally recognized trial, litigation and appellate firm well known for its leading role in the field of mass tort and product liability litigation. They are also a leading firm in developing and handling personal injury and discrimination actions for thousands of individual workers and consumers.