A Legacy of Care and Justice: Dorothy and Bob’s Mesothelioma Story
A mesothelioma diagnosis is devastating and completely alters a family’s reality. In an instant, the focus shifts to medical treatments, uncertain futures, and immense emotional weight. When Bob Conner was diagnosed with this aggressive, asbestos-related illness, his doctor gave his family a crucial piece of advice right from the start: seek legal guidance immediately.
For Bob’s wife, Dorothy Conner, the path forward felt daunting. But a devastating diagnosis does not mean a family has to walk the road alone. This is the story of how Dorothy and Bob found comfort, fierce advocacy, and a life-changing landmark victory with the Seattle-based mesothelioma law firm of Oslund Udo Little.
Brendan Little, Partner, Oslund Udo Little Last Updated: October 16, 2026
Decades of Hard Work at Longview Fibre
Bob Conner was the definition of a dedicated provider, spending years as a career worker at the Longview Fibre paper mill in Longview, WA. Unbeknownst to him, his decades of hard work routinely exposed him to microscopic, toxic asbestos fibers hidden within the industrial products supplied to the mill. Decades later, that industrial exposure culminated in a sudden, heartbreaking mesothelioma diagnosis.
Finding a Trusted Local Voice in Seattle, Washington
Knowing the urgency of the situation, Dorothy’s son immediately went online to research the best mesothelioma lawyers in Washington. His search led him to Oslund Udo Little.
Upon making the initial call, he spoke directly with partner Chandler Udo. The impression Chandler left was immediate and profound. Deeply comforted by his expertise and genuine empathy, the Conner family made the decision very early on to trust the firm with their case.
For Dorothy, choosing a local Pacific Northwest law firm was paramount. Having a local mesothelioma attorney meant the team was accessible, understood the regional industries where asbestos exposure occurred, and could be by their side at a moment’s notice.
Compassion That Starts at Home
At Oslund Udo Little, we understand that traveling to a law office is often the last thing a family coping with terminal illness can handle. True client care means meeting people exactly where they are.
Dorothy vividly recalls her first meeting with attorney Vanessa Oslund. Rather than requiring the Conners to travel, Vanessa personally visited their home to conduct the initial consultation with Bob and Dorothy, taking the time to learn about their story firsthand.
“She was a very knowledgeable and competent attorney in every way,” Dorothy remembers. “It was very obvious that she really cared about what she was doing. We just loved her. That’s the truth. She was just great.“
At Oslund Udo Little, we believe that this level of face-to-face, personalized attention transforms the legal experience. By replacing the often impersonal and intimidating nature of legal proceedings with genuine compassion and human connection, we provide a client-centered approach that larger firms often struggle to replicate.
Fierce Representation and a Landmark $13.5 Million Verdict
As the legal process moved forward, Chandler Udo stepped in to lead the litigation, bringing an unmatched level of dedication to Bob and Dorothy’s claim. Mesothelioma litigation requires an attorney who can strike a delicate balance: being fiercely aggressive against multi-billion-dollar corporate entities while remaining profoundly gentle with the victims. Chandler mastered both.
“Chandler was so impressive in court,” Dorothy shares. “We could not have had better representation. He is a remarkable attorney and has become, I feel like, a friend.“
The culmination of this fierce advocacy took place in the courtroom, where Chandler fought tirelessly to hold the negligent corporations accountable. The trial resulted in a historic $13.5 million trial verdict against both Union Carbide Corp. and Elementis Chemicals, two prominent asbestos suppliers to the Longview mill.
Wrapped in Support: "Like Their Own Grandmother"
The legal journey can be overwhelming, but Dorothy found that the entire firm shared the same compassionate heartbeat as its founding partners. From the paralegals to the administrative staff, every logistical burden was lifted from Dorothy’s shoulders.
“I was guided in every way to make things as easy as it could possibly be made,” Dorothy notes. “The staff in the office took me in like I was their grandmother.“
Why Families Choose Oslund Udo Little for Mesothelioma Cases
Though Bob has sadly passed away, his legacy remains protected. Oslund Udo Little successfully secured justice for his exposure, holding the responsible parties accountable for the suffering caused by this terrible illness.
Dorothy’s experience is a testament to what sets Oslund Udo Little apart. We are not a massive, indifferent national legal corporation; we are local advocates who treat our clients like family.
“You can expect them to exert every effort to bring justice to your claim,” Dorothy says. “If you’re looking for a mesothelioma attorney, I would strongly urge you to contact this firm. Oslund Udo Little is a fantastic firm. They’re wonderful people and they are very successful in their pursuit of justice for victims of this terrible illness.“