Texas consumer groups speak out against unlawful asbestos legislation

April 4, 2005

Texas lawmakers are currently considering legislation that consumer groups think will further punish the thousands of Texans suffering from asbestos related diseases.

In 2003, lawmakers enacted changes to the legal system that already made it difficult for individuals affected by asbestos related diseases and illnesses to pursue legal claims and hold companies accountable. The lead lobbyist for one of the most powerful insurance industry backed groups said at the time that they had accomplished all their objectives, yet the same special interests are proposing even more legislation.

The number of asbestos filings in Texas has significantly decreased in the last two years, yet special interests are pushing a provision that would throw out the claims of thousands of asbestos victims with a back-dated, retroactive bill. The provision will change the rules despite the many asbestos victims who have already been waiting for their day in court for years.

These asbestos victims will be forced to start over, despite the time, money and suffering they have already endured. Insurance and asbestos companies are also introducing medical criteria that would prevent 95 percent of all Texans diagnosed with asbestos poisoning to hold anyone accountable for their illnesses. Under the standard, the average 60-year-old male would have to lose over a third of his lung function before being able to pursue a claim against a company.

Asbestos exposure is linked to deadly diseases, including asbestos poisoning, lung cancer and mesothelioma.

For more information on Texas asbestos litigation, please contact us.

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