Connecticut Suggests Modification of Filing Asbestos Lawsuits
View PDF | Print View
by: alphonsofp
Total views: 2
Word Count: 369
Date: Mon, 28 Feb 2011 Time: 3:30 AM
0 comments
(January 28, 2011) Connecticut District Court urged the Judicial Branch to consider allowing asbestos cases to be filed anywhere in the state.
Judge Barbara Bellis, presiding civil judiciary in Bridgeport, mentioned that such modifications will make the most sense. She explained that asbestos litigations are usually dealt with in Bridgeport, one of three offices of the court.
Bellis said there were around 600 asbestos cases filed five years ago. Out of these pending cases, only 313 suits were settled, leaving the other 287 litigations behind for another five years. Bellis explained such an increase calls for a need to expedite the movement of these long and complex cases through the court system.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring substance, which became increasingly popular in manufacturers and builders throughout the 19th and 20th centuries because of its flame-retardant and insulating properties. Later, it was proved that long exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibers caused significant health problems such as asbestosis, lung cancer and malignant mesothelioma. Statistics on asbestos related deaths in Connecticut reflected heavy rates of employee exposure in the state.
As of 2000, 249 deaths were attributed to asbestosis, while 250 were linked to malignant mesothelioma. Records suggest that actual levels of asbestos related deaths rose from year to year, which is expected to reach a total of 411 or more this year. Thousands of asbestos related damage claims have been filed in Connecticut, which is usually settled prior to going to trial. However, statute of limitations commence upon diagnosis of the condition.
The most recent case that was heard before the jury is the March 2009 verdict on behalf of the family of a deceased Navy veteran who was exposed to asbestos on a Groton based aircraft carrier. It was the first asbestos case to go to trial in Connecticut in 22 years, setting a standard for asbestos settlements in the state that will hold defendant corporations liable.
About the Author
I was born January 4, 1979 in Ft. Leonardwood, Missouri. I now live in Ft. Worth Texas and travel all over the country meeting with different law firms, discussing the possible recalls and class action lawsuits taking place, regarding pharmeceuticals
For more information please visit www.seedol.com
Rating: Not yet rated