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Asbestos Litigation And The Failure Of Commonsense Policy Reform

Pete Blair

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Published in Dust Up: Asbestos Litigation And The Failure Of Commonsense Policy Reform

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Asbestos litigation has been a major issue in the United States for decades. This article explores the history of asbestos litigation, the problems with the current system, and the need for reform.

Dust-Up: Asbestos Litigation and the Failure of Commonsense Policy Reform

by Jeb Barnes

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
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Print length	:	152 pages

The History Of Asbestos Litigation

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once widely used in a variety of products, including insulation, roofing, and brake linings. However, it is now known that asbestos can cause a variety of serious health problems, including lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.

The first asbestos lawsuits were filed in the 1970s. These lawsuits alleged that asbestos manufacturers had failed to warn consumers about the dangers of asbestos. In the years since, asbestos litigation has become one of the most complex and expensive areas of law in the United States.

The Problems With The Current System

The current asbestos litigation system is plagued by a number of problems. First, the system is incredibly slow and inefficient. It can take years for asbestos lawsuits to be resolved, and the costs of litigation are often astronomical.

Second, the system is unfair to both plaintiffs and defendants. Plaintiffs often have to wait years for their cases to be resolved, and they often receive only a fraction of the damages they are entitled to. Defendants, on the other hand, are often forced to pay large settlements, even if they are not responsible for the plaintiff's injuries.

Third, the system is a major drain on the economy. Asbestos litigation costs billions of dollars each year, and these costs are ultimately passed on to consumers in the form of higher prices.

The Need For Reform

The current asbestos litigation system is clearly broken. It is slow, inefficient, unfair, and expensive. There is a clear need for reform.

There are a number of different ways to reform the asbestos litigation system. One option would be to create a special asbestos court. This court would be专门 designed to handle asbestos cases, and it would have the authority to streamline the litigation process and reduce costs.

Another option would be to establish a trust fund for asbestos victims. This fund would be used to compensate asbestos victims for their injuries, regardless of whether or not they have filed a lawsuit.

A third option would be to enact legislation that would limit the amount of damages that can be awarded in asbestos lawsuits. This would help to reduce the costs of litigation and make it more difficult for plaintiffs to receive large settlements.

Asbestos litigation has been a major issue in the United States for decades. The current system is broken and needs to be reformed. There are a number of different ways to reform the system, and it is important to find a solution that is fair to both plaintiffs and defendants.

Reforming the asbestos litigation system will not be easy. However, it is essential to find a solution that will work for everyone involved.

Dust-Up: Asbestos Litigation and the Failure of Commonsense Policy Reform

by Jeb Barnes

5 out of 5