A mechanic spends thirty years doing what he loves. Then comes the diagnosis — leukemia, seemingly out of nowhere. A family member starts searching for answers and finds a thread that leads to benzene, to the products he used every day, and to an industry that has known the risk for decades and said nothing. That search leads to the team at Locks Law Firm and Anthony Mastroianni.
Since 2023, Anthony has been a critical member of the benzene team at the firm. The opponent is formidable. The oil and gas industry has political allies, lobbyists who have shaped federal policy for generations, and courtroom resources that dwarf anything available to the families on the other side. When OSHA tried to restrict benzene in consumer products, industry pushed back and won. The WHO says benzene causes cancer, yet there are still no warnings on the products. Anthony believes that the civil justice system is the only accountability these families will get. The cases prosecuted by the firm are personal, and every client counts.
However, public awareness is growing, and science is constantly evolving in our favor. The industry was previously successful in suppressing knowledge and manipulating studies to protect its business interests. But now, we see companies racing to develop safer products because they ran out of excuses. There is no better time than the present to fight for public health and the rights of hard-working people.
Over time, Anthony’s role in the New York office has grown. He was recently named partner and given the reins of the New York operations. In addition to working on benzene exposure matters, Anthony and the talented staff of the New York office also handle dozens of other types of personal injury cases each year. The practice is diverse, nimble, and prides itself in adapting to the needs of the firm.
Outside the office, Anthony enjoys shooting pool with friends and impressing his wife with Italian home cooking.
