Last month, we blogged about Ohio’s proposed asbestos law that would limit rights for victims. On December 20, Ohio Gov. John Kasich signed the bill into law. Sadly, this law can have severe consequences for Ohio residents suffering from lung cancer, mesothelioma, asbestosis and other diseases caused by asbestos exposure.
Proponents of the new law used phrases like “transparency” and “double-dipping” to promote legislation that favors companies over victims. It attempts to streamline the litigation process by limiting the number of claims a victim can file against companies that caused their asbestos-related disease.
It is easy to misunderstand and mischaracterize the nature of mesothelioma lawsuits. One victim might file suit against dozens of companies that acted with negligence in their diseases. Some of these defendants might include:
- Employers who knew asbestos was dangerous, yet continued to expose workers to it on a daily basis
- Larger companies that owned or shared ownership of that company
- Manufacturing companies who included asbestos in their products
- Construction and installation companies that used asbestos in installation and ceiling materials
- Negligent asbestos removal operations that exposed people to asbestos during the abatement process
Further complicating asbestos proceedings is the fact that many companies that used asbestos have since gone bankrupt. Victims may be entitled to damages from trusts set up to help them, as well as negligence damages from other companies also responsible for their illnesses.
We are saddened to hear that corporate interests trumped individual health concerns in the Ohio legislature, and we hope similar measures fail in other states. If you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease, talk to us. We can help figure out options for your medical bills, pain and suffering and loss at no cost to you. Call 1-888-637-6347 today.
Cappolino Dodd Krebs LLP – asbestos attorneys