Michael B. Serling

Michael B. Serling is the founder of the law firm and has been practicing law since 1970. He has been handling asbestos-related cancer cases since 1975. He was the first attorney in Michigan to file an asbestos-related wrongful death action on behalf of the family of a victim of mesothelioma cancer. He was also the first attorney in Michigan to win a substantial jury verdict in an asbestos-related disease case. His firm now handles mesothelioma cases throughout the United States and internationally.

Mr. Serling graduated from Michigan State University in 1966 with a degree in history and a secondary education teaching degree. He taught in the city of Detroit while attending law school at night. He graduated from Detroit College of Law in 1970 (now the Michigan State University College of Law).

Mr. Serling has been very passionate in his fight for the rights of asbestos disease victims. “The rights of American workers have been trampled upon. Nowhere is that more glaring than in the tragedy that has befallen the victims of asbestos-related mesothelioma and lung cancer. Each year thousands of men and women die of these dreaded diseases. These deaths could have been avoided if Asbestos manufacturers and suppliers had looked out for and protected the men and women who built our country through their hard work. It has been my mission for the past 45 years to fight for the rights of those men and women and their families victimized by the tragedy of asbestos disease and death.”

He was selected to represent most school districts in the state of Michigan in a class action suit against asbestos manufacturers to help schools with the costs of removing asbestos products from their buildings. The suit was extremely successful in aiding schools in making them safer for students, teachers, custodians, and other staff members.

Pioneering Work in Asbestos Litigation

Michael Serling’s groundbreaking work in asbestos litigation began in the mid-1970s when the link between asbestos exposure and serious diseases like mesothelioma was just beginning to be understood by the legal community. His early recognition of the devastating impact of asbestos on American workers positioned him at the forefront of what would become one of the most significant areas of toxic tort litigation in U.S. legal history.

First Mesothelioma Wrongful Death Case in Michigan

In the late 1970s, Michael Serling made legal history by filing the first asbestos-related wrongful death action in Michigan on behalf of a mesothelioma victim’s family. This landmark case established important legal precedents for future mesothelioma wrongful death claims throughout the state. The case required extensive research into the industrial use of asbestos, the knowledge of manufacturers regarding its dangers, and the specific circumstances of the victim’s exposure.

This groundbreaking case opened the door for countless Michigan families who had lost loved ones to asbestos-related diseases. Mr. Serling’s meticulous approach to building this first case involved working closely with medical experts, industrial hygienists, and historians to establish the connection between occupational asbestos exposure and the development of mesothelioma.

First Substantial Jury Verdict

Following his success in establishing legal liability, Michael Serling achieved another milestone by securing the first substantial jury verdict in Michigan for an asbestos-related disease case. This victory demonstrated to other attorneys and potential clients that justice was possible for asbestos victims and their families. The verdict not only provided compensation for the victim but also sent a clear message to asbestos manufacturers about their accountability for the harm caused by their products.

Educational Background and Early Career

Michael Serling’s path to becoming a leading asbestos litigation attorney was shaped by his diverse educational background and early career experiences. His undergraduate studies in history at Michigan State University provided him with strong research and analytical skills that would prove invaluable in his legal career. The secondary education teaching degree demonstrated his commitment to education and helping others – qualities that would define his approach to client representation.

Teaching in Detroit

While attending law school, Mr. Serling taught in the Detroit public school system, gaining firsthand experience with the challenges facing urban communities. This experience working in Detroit schools would later prove relevant to his work representing school districts in asbestos litigation, as he understood the unique challenges these institutions faced in maintaining safe learning environments while managing limited budgets.

His time as a teacher also developed his ability to explain complex concepts in accessible terms – a skill that has served him well throughout his legal career when explaining intricate medical and legal issues to clients, juries, and the media.

Law School at Detroit College of Law

Attending law school at night while maintaining a full-time teaching position demonstrated Michael Serling’s dedication and work ethic. Detroit College of Law, now part of Michigan State University College of Law, provided him with a solid foundation in legal principles and practical skills. The rigorous night program attracted students who were committed to their legal education while maintaining other professional responsibilities.

Michigan School Districts Class Action

One of Michael Serling’s most significant achievements was his representation of most Michigan school districts in a class action lawsuit against asbestos manufacturers. This massive undertaking required coordinating with hundreds of school districts across the state, each with unique circumstances regarding asbestos use and removal needs.

Scope and Impact of the School Districts Case

The school districts class action represented a unique challenge in asbestos litigation. Unlike individual mesothelioma cases involving personal injury or wrongful death, this case focused on property damage and the costs associated with asbestos removal and remediation. Mr. Serling had to demonstrate that the manufacturers knew or should have known that their asbestos-containing products would pose risks not only to workers who installed them but also to students, teachers, and staff who would be exposed to them over many years.

The successful resolution of this case provided crucial funding for Michigan schools to undertake proper asbestos removal and remediation projects. This not only made schools safer but also ensured that proper procedures were followed to protect workers involved in the removal process from occupational asbestos exposure.

Protecting Michigan’s Educational Community

The impact of the school districts case extended far beyond financial compensation. By holding asbestos manufacturers accountable for the costs of remediation, Mr. Serling helped protect countless Michigan students, teachers, custodial staff, and other school personnel from potential asbestos exposure. The case also established important precedents for how institutional plaintiffs could seek recovery for asbestos-related property damage and remediation costs.

National and International Reach

While Michael Serling’s roots are firmly planted in Michigan, his expertise in asbestos litigation has attracted clients from across the United States and internationally. His reputation for thorough case preparation, compassionate client service, and successful outcomes has made Serling & Abramson, P.C. a destination for mesothelioma victims and their families regardless of their location.

Expanding Beyond Michigan

The firm’s national practice has allowed Mr. Serling to represent victims of asbestos exposure from various industries and geographic locations. This expanded practice has provided valuable insights into different patterns of asbestos use and exposure across different regions and industries, enhancing the firm’s ability to identify liable parties and build strong cases for all clients.

The international aspects of the practice often involve cases where military personnel or civilians were exposed to asbestos while stationed overseas, or cases involving multinational corporations with operations in multiple countries.

Philosophy and Approach to Client Representation

Michael Serling’s approach to representing asbestos disease victims is rooted in a deep understanding of the human cost of corporate negligence. His philosophy extends beyond simply winning cases to ensuring that justice is served and that similar tragedies are prevented in the future.

Understanding the Human Impact

Mr. Serling recognizes that behind every mesothelioma case is a family dealing with devastating illness, emotional trauma, and financial hardship. His approach involves not only pursuing maximum compensation but also providing support and guidance throughout what is often the most difficult period in a family’s life.

This compassionate approach has earned Mr. Serling the trust and respect of clients who often become advocates for his services, referring other families facing similar challenges. His understanding of the unique needs of mesothelioma patients and their families has shaped the firm’s practices and procedures to provide comprehensive support.

Holding Corporations Accountable

A central element of Michael Serling’s practice philosophy is the importance of holding corporations accountable for prioritizing profits over worker safety. His extensive research into corporate knowledge of asbestos dangers has revealed patterns of deliberate concealment and disregard for worker welfare that continue to motivate his advocacy efforts.

Member

State Bar of Michigan, American Association for Justice, Michigan Association for Justice, Oakland County and American Bar Associations, Anti-Defamation League Board, Chair, Advisory Board for the MSU Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel, Wayne County Circuit Court Steering Committee for Asbestos Litigation, Trustee, Beaumont Health Foundation, Member of Detroit Sympathy Orchestra Governing Members Cultural Assessment Task Force.

Leadership in Legal Organizations

Michael Serling’s membership in numerous prestigious legal organizations reflects his standing in the legal community and his commitment to advancing the profession. His involvement with the American Association for Justice and Michigan Association for Justice has allowed him to contribute to the development of legal strategies and policy positions that benefit all personal injury attorneys and their clients.

His service on the Wayne County Circuit Court Steering Committee for Asbestos Litigation has been particularly significant, as this committee helps manage the complex caseload of asbestos-related lawsuits in one of Michigan’s busiest court systems. This role requires balancing the needs of plaintiffs seeking timely resolution with the practical constraints of the court system.

Community Involvement and Philanthropy

Beyond his legal practice, Michael Serling has demonstrated a commitment to community service and philanthropy. His role as Chair of the Advisory Board for the MSU Serling Institute for Jewish Studies and Modern Israel reflects both his connection to his alma mater and his commitment to educational and cultural initiatives.

His position as a Trustee of the Beaumont Health Foundation demonstrates his commitment to healthcare and medical research – areas closely connected to his work representing clients with asbestos-related diseases. This involvement provides him with insights into medical developments and treatment options that benefit his clients.

Practice Areas

• Mesothelioma and Lung Cancer Wrongful Death Caused by Asbestos Exposure
• Products Liability
• Personal Injury – auto, motorcycle, and truck accidents; on-the-job injuries and death
• Property Damage
• Toxic Tort Litigation
• Environmental Law – Roundup weed killer, contaminated water and air
• Defective Drugs and Medical Devices
• Sexual Abuse
• Litigation against Credit Unions and Banks for wrongful Overdraft charges and other unfair conduct

Specialization in Asbestos-Related Cases

While Michael Serling and his firm handle various types of personal injury and civil litigation matters, their specialization in asbestos-related cases sets them apart. This focus has allowed Mr. Serling to develop an unparalleled depth of knowledge about asbestos use in various industries, the medical aspects of asbestos diseases, and the complex legal strategies required for successful prosecution of these cases.

The firm’s expertise extends to representing victims of exposure from numerous industries including construction, automotive, shipbuilding, power plants, refineries, steel mills, and many others. This broad industry knowledge allows them to quickly identify potential sources of exposure and liable parties for each client’s unique circumstances.

Expanding Practice Areas

Michael Serling’s expansion into related practice areas such as toxic tort litigation, environmental law, and defective products reflects his commitment to protecting individuals from corporate negligence in all its forms. His experience with asbestos litigation has provided valuable insights into how corporations handle potentially dangerous products and the legal strategies needed to hold them accountable.

Author

• “Asbestos and the Law,” Michigan Bar Journal” Asbestos Litigation in Michigan: The Case for Schools,” Michigan School Board Journal” Asbestos Litigation: A Ten-Year Perspective,” Laches (Oakland County Bar Journal)
• “Asbestos Toxic Tort Litigation,” Laches (Oakland County Bar Journal)
• “Asbestos Litigation: Toward Toxic Tort Liability,” Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Report
• “Asbestos Disease Litigation – The American Experience,” Preservation of Our World in the Wake of Change – Jerusalem Israel Conference
• “Asbestos Litigation in Michigan” – Lawyers Weekly Newspaper
• “Asbestos Litigation in Michigan” – Building Trades Newspaper
• “Update on Asbestos Litigation” – Local 58 Electrician Retirees bulletin

Scholarly Contributions to Asbestos Law

Michael Serling’s numerous publications demonstrate his role as a thought leader in asbestos litigation. His articles in respected legal publications have helped educate other attorneys about the complexities of asbestos cases and have contributed to the development of legal strategies and precedents that benefit all asbestos litigation practitioners.

His international speaking engagement in Jerusalem, where he presented “Asbestos Disease Litigation – The American Experience,” reflects the global interest in his expertise and the American approach to handling mass tort litigation involving industrial diseases.

Educational Outreach

Mr. Serling’s publications in trade publications such as Building Trades Newspaper and union bulletins demonstrate his commitment to educating workers and their representatives about asbestos risks and legal rights. This direct communication with at-risk populations has likely helped many individuals understand their rights and seek appropriate medical monitoring or legal representation when needed.

Instructor

• Detroit Bar Association, Continuing Legal Education Seminar, “The Asbestos Dilemma”
• Michigan Board of School Administrators Seminar, “Asbestos in the Schools”
• Michigan Trial Lawyers Association Seminar, “Toxic Torts” Multiple Seminars for Michigan Building Trades
• Seminar for Michigan Asbestos Insulation Unions at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak, MI

Legal Education and Professional Development

Michael Serling’s role as an instructor for continuing legal education seminars has contributed significantly to the legal community’s understanding of asbestos litigation. His seminars for the Detroit Bar Association and Michigan Trial Lawyers Association have helped train other attorneys to effectively represent asbestos disease victims, ultimately expanding access to quality legal representation for affected families throughout Michigan.

These educational efforts have helped establish best practices for asbestos litigation and have contributed to the overall improvement in legal representation available to asbestos disease victims across the state.

Worker Education and Safety Advocacy

Mr. Serling’s seminars for building trades organizations and union members represent an important aspect of his advocacy work. By educating workers about asbestos risks and their legal rights, these seminars serve a preventive function while also ensuring that those who have been exposed understand their options for medical monitoring and potential legal recourse.

The seminar at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak specifically targeted asbestos insulation workers, who face some of the highest risks of asbestos exposure in construction and industrial settings. This targeted education has likely helped save lives by encouraging proper safety practices and early medical screening.

Visiting Professor

• Law and Environment – Michigan State University, Law College, and College of Agricultural and Natural Resources
• Medical and Legal issues related to asbestos exposure and diseases – University of Michigan medical school.

Academic Contributions

Michael Serling’s appointments as a visiting professor at two of Michigan’s most prestigious universities demonstrate the academic respect for his expertise. His work at Michigan State University, bridging law and environmental science, reflects the interdisciplinary nature of environmental and toxic tort law.

His lectures at the University of Michigan Medical School on medical and legal issues related to asbestos exposure have contributed to the education of future physicians who may diagnose and treat asbestos-related diseases. This cross-disciplinary education is crucial for ensuring that medical professionals understand both the clinical and legal aspects of asbestos-related diseases.

Honors

• Michigan Bar Association 50 years of service
• Michigan Holocaust Memorial Center honoree
• Michigan State University Philanthropist Award
• Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award

Recognition for Legal Excellence and Service

The Michigan Bar Association’s recognition of Michael Serling’s 50 years of service represents a significant milestone that few attorneys achieve. This honor reflects not only longevity but sustained excellence and contribution to the legal profession throughout his career.

The Michigan State University Distinguished Alumni Award recognizes graduates who have brought honor to the university through their professional achievements and contributions to society. Mr. Serling’s receipt of this award reflects his status as one of MSU’s most accomplished law graduates.

Community Recognition

The Michigan Holocaust Memorial Center’s recognition of Michael Serling reflects his contributions to preserving historical memory and fighting against injustice – themes that resonate with his legal advocacy for asbestos disease victims. This honor recognizes his commitment to justice and human dignity that extends beyond his legal practice.

Current Impact and Future Vision

As Michael Serling continues his practice well into his sixth decade as an attorney, his impact on asbestos litigation and victim advocacy remains significant. His firm continues to handle complex mesothelioma cases while adapting to changes in the legal landscape and emerging challenges in asbestos litigation.

Mentoring the Next Generation

Throughout his career, Michael Serling has mentored numerous younger attorneys who have gone on to establish successful practices representing asbestos disease victims. His commitment to training the next generation ensures that his expertise and advocacy approach will continue to benefit future clients long after his eventual retirement.

Continuing Innovation

Despite his decades of experience, Mr. Serling continues to innovate in his approach to mesothelioma litigation. His firm stays current with developments in medical research, legal precedents, and industry knowledge to provide the most effective representation possible for their clients.

Michael Serling’s legacy as a pioneering asbestos litigation attorney continues to grow as he maintains his passionate advocacy for victims of corporate negligence while contributing to legal education and community service throughout Michigan and beyond.