First Texas Trial of Parkinsonism Caused By Welding Rods to Begin

Williams Bailey Law Firm, L.L.P., announced today that opening statements will begin Wednesday in the trial of a former welder who contracted Parkinsonism after years of exposure to toxic manganese fumes. This is the first trial of its kind in the state of Texas.
The case will be heard by Judge Ben Hardin in the Brazoria County 23rd
Judicial District Court.

One of the firms representing the victim is Williams Bailey Law Firm,
which is bringing the lawsuit against leading manufacturers of welding rods,
including The Lincoln Electric Company and Hobart Brothers Company. Williams
Bailey will argue that these companies' failure to properly warn of the health
hazards their products present caused the victim to contract a painful and
permanently debilitating disease.

Mr. Ronald Presler worked as a welder from 1966-1997. After many years of
inhaling dangerously high levels of manganese fumes from welding rods,
Mr. Presler was diagnosed with Parkinsonism. Symptoms are virtually identical
to Parkinson's disease, including tremors, rigidity, difficulty walking,
slurred speech and facial masking.

"These manufacturers destroyed Mr. Presler's life," said John Neese, an
attorney from Williams Bailey. "Sadly, Mr. Presler's case is not unique.
There are literally thousands of welders out there who worked hard all their
lives, took pride in their profession and now are having to suffer with this
horrible disease."

Williams Bailey is part of a consortium of law firms trying cases like
Mr. Presler's across the country. The other members are Provost & Umphrey Law
Firm L.L.P., Watts Law Firm, LLP, Ranier, Gayle and Elliot, L.L.C., and The
Kaiser Firm P.L.L.C.