fbpx

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel Fights Asbestos Bill Offering Deceptive ‘Protection’

mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits

The U.S. Congress is the latest in a string of legislative bodies to consider asbestos legislation with an unfair impact on victims, and Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is working alongside clients and veterans’ groups to stop it.

Currently being considered by the U.S. Senate, the PROTECT Asbestos Victims Act (S.2564) does anything but protect asbestos victims. It is just one of the latest in a long string of bad federal and state bills meant to benefit the asbestos industry and corporate interests while undercutting those individuals who have been injured by asbestos exposure.

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has partnered with the American Association for Justice (AAJ) to protect the rights of veterans, their families, and other asbestos victims by opposing the PROTECT Act. As part of our efforts, many of our clients have bravely contacted their representatives and taken action. Yet the bill is still being considered — and others like it continue to be proposed.

What is the PROTECT Act?

Introduced by Senators Chuck Grassley (R-IA), John Cornyn (R-TX), and Orrin Hatch (R-UT), this bill seeks to delay claim payments through several harmful tactics. It also serves to deter asbestos victims and their families from filing claims for compensation for the harm caused to them by the asbestos industry. Specifically, the PROTECT Act:

  • Subjects asbestos victims and their families to potential criminal investigation and charges for so-called “fraudulent claims.”
  • Allows Medicare to garnish a victim’s compensation from the trust funds.
  • Requires trusts to respond to every request from the asbestos companies for information on payments made by the trusts to asbestos victims, further bogging down and delaying the trust system.

The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO), an independent organization focused on ending asbestos exposure through education, advocacy, and community work, strongly opposes the PROTECT Act. ADAO President and Co-founder, Linda Reinstein, describes the bill’s name as “misleading and offensive with claims to protect victims but instead protects trust money, instead of focusing on a much-needed asbestos ban, while continuing to give the asbestos industry a pass.”

How Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is Helping Mesothelioma Asbestos Lawsuits

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel participated in a public outreach campaign during the spring of this year, educating clients about the bill and encouraging them to get involved. Many participated and we graciously thank those who took action. However, the fight is not over, so we continue to monitor this bill and others like it, fighting for justice on behalf of all asbestos victims. We continually keep our clients updated with the latest developments in important legislation and apprise them of opportunities to stand up for the rights.

Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel is a mid-sized plaintiffs’ firm with experience in mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits. Our asbestos attorneys are fighting to hold manufacturers responsible in mesothelioma asbestos lawsuits for failing to adequately protect consumers. If you suffer from mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure, the asbestos attorneys at Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel will fight for the compensation you deserve. Email us or call our asbestos attorneys at 866.295.4518 to discuss your potential mesothelioma asbestos lawsuit.

What are my chances?

That’s the first question everyone asks. The truth is it’s impossible to know. But we can tell you this. Waters Kraus Paul & Siegel has what it takes to fight against big corporate interests and win. That’s why we’ve taken more mesothelioma trials to verdict than any other firm. And that’s why we’ve recovered more than $1.3 billion for clients like you. Do you think you have a case? Contact us now to speak with an attorney.

Call 800.226.9880