_An Edhat Reader
By Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis
Aaron Lee Arndt, a partner at the Santa Barbara-based law firm Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, has been recognized by the nonprofit organization US Thalidomide Survivors for his service on behalf of Americans disabled by the now-banned drug.
Arndt, whose own mother was impacted by thalidomide after her mother took the drug during pregnancy, received a certificate of recognition for his “dedication to the mission and commitment to those in the United States affected by thalidomide who still await justice.” Arndt serves on the board of directors of the non-profit and works toward the organization’s central task of advocating for all those Americans who have been affected by thalidomide.
Founded in 2018, US Thalidomide Survivors represents approximately one hundred disabled Americans born between 1957 and 1964 whose mothers likely took American-made thalidomide during pregnancy. At the time, thalidomide was marketed as a sedative and morning sickness treatment for pregnant women and distributed by drug companies through doctors in the United States. The drug caused a range of disabilities in babies born to these mothers.
Many thalidomide survivors have tried to pursue legal action against the responsible drug companies but haven’t succeeded because the statute of limitations on their claims expired. US Thalidomide Survivors advocates for survivors by offering them a community, educating the public about the impact of thalidomide, and requesting Congress aid survivors who are now approaching their senior years.
Outside of his volunteer work with US Thalidomide Survivors, Arndt practices liability, class action and complex business litigation at Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis’ Santa Barbara offices. As a member of the firm’s litigation team he’s helped secure more than a hundred million dollars in settlements for victims of financial fraud, including Ponzi schemes and securities fraud. A graduate of the University of San Diego School of Law, he joined the firm as an associate in 2013.
Foley Bezek Behle & Curtis, LLP is a dynamic California law firm whose attorneys have earned a national reputation in class and mass plaintiff actions, wildfire litigation, complex business litigation, lender liability, intellectual property litigation and entertainment litigation. The firm has offices in Santa Barbara and Costa Mesa.
