You Should Know: Asbestos Legislation Update

(03/02/06)

For decades, asbestos manufacturers misled the American public about the dangers of breathing asbestos fibers in order to reap the profits associated with producing, manufacturing, and distributing asbestos-containing products. The result has been disastrous, as thousands of individuals have developed asbestos-related illnesses. The asbestos manufacturers are now trying to escape their liability by attempting to persuade our legislators to pass the Federal Senate Bill 852, also known as the asbestos trust fund. This bill, among other things, would make every case currently pending, including settlements made but not paid yet, null and void. Rather all asbestos cases would become part of the trust fund, ensuring that it would be years before victims receive any compensation for asbestos-related injuries.

Fortunately, the majority of senators, including Senator Nelson of Florida, refused to be misled and voted no on the asbestos bill, thereby temporarily defeating the bill 58 to 41. However, the bill may be brought up again as the asbestos manufacturers have pledged to continue this fight since it would save them more than 100 million dollars.

At Terrell Hogan, we have been fighting the asbestos manufacturers for our clients for over 25 years and we will continue to fight them as they try pass this legislation which would be grossly unfair to asbestos victims everywhere.