Hundreds of people diagnosed with mesothelioma and other deadly asbestos-related diseases have found themselves caught in a legal battle that has delayed their pursuit of justice and compensation for years. The issue revolves around Barretts Minerals Inc. and its attempt to use bankruptcy protection to protect its parent company from personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits.
Talc from Montana Mine Blamed for Mesothelioma Diagnoses
Barretts Minerals, Inc. has been named in hundreds of lawsuits filed by mesothelioma victims who claim that talc from its Dillon, Montana, facility was contaminated with asbestos. Citing enormous medical bills, physical pain, and emotional suffering, they filed claims against the company, only to find themselves blocked by the company’s controversial use of a bankruptcy strategy.
The mine company named in the mesothelioma lawsuits is a subsidiary of Mineral Technologies, Inc., which reported $2.12 billion in sales and $287 million in operating profits last year. Despite being backed by such significant assets, the company filed for bankruptcy protection, following a pattern that has become common among asbestos defendants.
Texas Bankruptcy Judge Paused Mesothelioma Claims
The Texas bankruptcy judge, who is hearing arguments from both sides, has paused most talc-related litigation against Minerals Technologies, leaving mesothelioma victims in legal limbo. Many have cases pending in New Jersey, New York, and California, but are unable to proceed with trials or reach settlements. This is particularly challenging for those facing mesothelioma’s grim prognosis, who are seeking both justice and security for their families.
Speaking on behalf of many of the mesothelioma victims, a representative said, “They are deprived of the peace of mind that ‘Maybe we’re not getting compensation now, but I know that there will be compensation coming … and that is a travesty of justice.” Minerals Technologies says that it has established a $215 million reserve fund for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related disease victims, but attorneys representing asbestos plaintiffs say the offer is inadequate. Barretts Minerals continues to assert that its talc was safe and asbestos-free, and the judge has now asked a District Court to determine whether the mine’s product contained enough asbestos to have caused the plaintiffs’ illnesses.
If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease and you need help, contact the Patient Advocates at Mesothelioma.net today at 1-800-692-8608.
