Michigan Debates Asbestos Lawsuits
Article Added February 4th, 2007 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
The state of Michigan heard mixed opinions on new asbestos litigation rules this week. The new law would keep separate asbestos cases from being lumped together into one case and judgment.
Michigan is once again reviewing the way the state hears asbestos litigation in what lawmakers claim is an attempt to make the cases fairer. The new laws would keep different asbestos-related lawsuits from being bundled together, a situation that many lawyers do in order to accelerate the wait time for a victim’s compensation. State officials claim that the practice allows people that have been exposed to asbestos, but are not yet sick with any asbestos-related diseases, to latch on to the case and receive benefits before they are proved to be in need.
Asbestos exposure can lead to many different types of respiratory illnesses, including asbestosis, emphysema and a deadly form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. Mesothelioma can often take years to manifest, and can be terminal at the time of detection. Asbestos litigation often encompasses different victims suffering from these diseases, and can extend for long periods of time. Though bundling the lawsuits together cuts down on time in the courtroom, often time’s compensation is not based on financial need but percentage of the total payout.
Article Added February 4th, 2007 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
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