US Asbestos Update
23 June 2009
The Federal Centres for Disease Control in the United States has recently reported that the number of deaths related to mesothelioma within the US will peak in the year 2010.
Mesothelioma, a form of asbestos related cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and the abdomen, usually manifests between 20 to 40 years after the time of exposure to asbestos. It is for this reason that although the health threat due to asbestos exposure has decreased, the number of people diagnosed with mesothelioma will continue to rise until when it likely peaks around the year 2010.
This news comes at the same time as attorneys in the US have challenged General Motors bankruptcy plan, which may exclude liability for asbestos related disease. Liability for previous asbestos exposure facing GM has increased substantially from $32 million to $648 million between 2002 and 2008 and asbestos attorneys within the US are arguing that the exclusion of their representing sufferers of asbestos related disease within the process is unconstitutional.
There is the option to establish a trust fund for the liability owed to asbestos victims however whether GM will pursue that course of action remains to be seen.
Should you wish to find out more about this or a related article please contact Ashton Morton Slack on 0114 2752 888 and ask to speak to a member of the occupational illness team.