Karl Novak — Mesothelioma & Asbestos Attorney
Karl Novak is a seasoned mesothelioma and asbestos litigation attorney with nearly 30 years of experience fighting for workers and families devastated by asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and other occupational illnesses. A founding member of his firm, Novak has represented tens of thousands of asbestos exposure victims across the United States, earning a reputation as a tireless, client-centered advocate who delivers results.
A Career Devoted to Asbestos Victims
Karl Novak has spent his entire legal career representing individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. His commitment to this area of law is deeply personal — Novak was the first in his family to attend college, working his way through school in the steel industry, an experience that gave him firsthand insight into the hazardous conditions faced by American workers.
After earning his law degree from Capital University in 1988, Novak moved to South Carolina to join Ness, Motley, Loadholt, Richardson & Poole, one of the nation’s most prominent asbestos litigation firms. In 2002, he became a founding member of his current firm, where he continues to pursue justice for asbestos exposure victims nationwide.
A Client-First Approach to Mesothelioma Cases
Karl Novak understands that every client’s situation is unique. Some clients want a swift and efficient resolution; others want aggressive, unrelenting pursuit of justice. Novak adapts his legal strategy to reflect each client’s goals and priorities — always keeping the needs of the individual and their family at the center of every decision.
Drawing on his deep interest in genealogy and oral history, Novak takes a meticulous, narrative-driven approach to building asbestos cases. He personally compiles documents and conducts in-depth interviews with clients, family members, former co-workers, treating physicians, and expert witnesses to construct a comprehensive account that answers three critical questions:
- Where did the asbestos exposure occur?
- Who is responsible for that exposure?
- What is the full impact of the disease on the victim and their family?
This thorough, story-based case-building strategy has proven highly effective in securing meaningful compensation for mesothelioma victims and their families.
Representing Clients Across the United States
Throughout his career, Karl Novak has represented tens of thousands of asbestos victims in states across the country. He splits his time between South Carolina and Maine, and regularly travels to work directly with clients wherever they are located. His hands-on, personal involvement in every case distinguishes him from attorneys who maintain a purely transactional relationship with their clients.
Novak is licensed to practice in multiple states and federal courts, making him well-equipped to handle complex, multi-jurisdictional asbestos litigation cases.
Bar Admissions
- South Carolina, 1988
- Michigan, 2004
- Texas, 2005
- United States District Court, District of South Carolina
- United States District Court, Northern District of Ohio
Education
Undergraduate
- College of Wooster — B.A., 1981
Law School
- Capital University — J.D., 1988
Professional Memberships & Recognitions
- American Bar Association
- American Association for Justice
- South Carolina Bar
- South Carolina Association for Justice
- Charleston County Bar Association
- Charleston County Pro Bono Board of Directors
- Medical University of South Carolina, Storm Eye Institute — Board of Directors (Emeritus; Chairman, 2007–2011)
- Martindale-Hubbell Peer Review Rating: AV Preeminent — the highest possible rating for legal ability and ethical standards
Personal Background
Karl Novak was born and raised in Cincinnati, Ohio. He is the father of two grown children, and when they were young, he coached their baseball and soccer teams — including one standout squad that went undefeated for three consecutive seasons. Today, he divides his time between South Carolina and Maine when he is not on the road meeting with clients.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, Karl Novak and the legal team at Serling & Abramson, P.C. are ready to help. Contact our firm today for a free, confidential consultation.