Three separate house bills that will make it more difficult for private citizens to sue large corporations moved forward in the Montana House of Representatives, jeopardizing the ability of mesothelioma victims’ survivors to get justice. The bills are raising significant concern from Montana citizens seeking compensation for asbestos-related illnesses and deaths.
Mesothelioma Wrongful Death and Contamination Compensation in Jeopardy in Montana
Libby, Montana is a town that is permanently linked to malignant mesothelioma, asbestosis, and other asbestos-related diseases. It’s where the W.R. Grace and Co. vermiculite mine operated from 1963 to 1990, and the contamination linked to that mine has taken decades to address and claimed thousands of local people’s lives and health.
Though its asbestos liabilities forced W.R. Grace & Co. into bankruptcy years ago, there have been other companies linked to its operations and named in mesothelioma lawsuits, notably the BNSF Railway, which was recently ordered to pay $4 million in compensatory damages to two victims’ estates. Hundreds of other cases are pending against the railway, but the legislation that just passed in the Montana House of Representatives would allow the company to defer blame to W.R. Grace and escape liability despite proven complicity.
Sponsor of Montana Bills Has Represented Railway Against Asbestos Claimants
The Montana Trial Lawyers Association has opposed all three bills, which were sponsored by Anthony Nicastro, R-Billings, who has represented the railway in cases involving its liability in asbestos-related deaths. House Bill 303 would eliminate mesothelioma liability for BNSF, House Bill 302 would require an additional trial for plaintiffs to receive punitive damages, and House Bill 301 would enforce a strict two-year period of limitation on property damage claims.
The bills received near-unanimous support from Republicans in the house, with a few voting against the legislation based on concerns voiced by their constituents. The Montana Senate has not yet scheduled hearings on the bills.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net are here to help. Contact us today at 1-800-692-8608 to learn more.
