Asbestos News

The bankrupt units of specialty chemicals maker RPM International Inc may have to set aside twice as much money for asbestos-related liabilities as the company estimated, after a bankruptcy judge rejected what she called a novel theory from the debtor.

As many as 80,000 inactive cases could be dismissed from the dockets of asbestos and silica multidistrict litigation courts, if Gov. Rick Perry signs a bill that both chambers of the Texas Legislature passed unanimously.

The Assembly also passed a measure that would slow asbestos-exposure lawsuits until plaintiffs reveal how many businesses their attorneys plan to go after.

As it argues for attorneys fees in a fraud case against Pittsburgh asbestos attorneys, CSX Transportation says it is incurring even more fees and wants repaid.

The state House Judiciary Committee recently held a hearing on House Bill 1150, also known as the Fairness in Claims and Transparency Act, or FACT, which would provide for transparency of claims made against asbestos bankruptcy trusts and in the tort system.

On the heels of a Wall Street Journal editorial questioning the motives behind prominent plaintiffs attorney Peter Angelos’ attempt to revive 13,000 asbestos claims, the Maryland Attorney General’s office said it would not comment on the matter yet.