Mesothelioma & Asbestos

The number of people diagnosed with asbestos caused diseases in the U.S. continues to increase. Experts believe 60,000 mesothelioma deaths will occur between 2010 and 2030.

Industrial Accidents

Work related injuries harm up to 14 million people annually, with harms including traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, amputations, burns, and electrocutions. Around 20,000 to 60,000 workers die each year from accidents, toxins, and violence at their jobs.

Product Defects

Millions of consumers and workers are injured each year because of defective products. Defects can occur when a product is designed poorly, when a product is manufactured in a manner that differs from the intended design, or when the product does not contain proper warnings or instructions. Defects can occur in automobiles, pharmaceuticals, medical devices, construction equipment, toys, and other goods.

Nursing Home Abuse

Between 1.5 and 2 million elderly reside in nursing home facilities, with studies revealing that 44% have suffered some form of abuse. Many believe the actual number of residents suffering abuse is much higher. Neglect and abuse may result in serious emotional, physical, and financial harm

Our Experience

Paul & Hanley’s legal team has produced some of the most notable verdicts and highest settlements in the United States. Over 500 of our clients have each obtained in excess of 1 million dollars. Over 250 have recovered multi-million dollar recoveries.

< Back Pause Next >

Home ›

Asbestos Bailout Bill Rejected

April 22, 2004
David S. Casey, Jr.
ATLA President

The United States Senate today said a resounding no to proceeding to the asbestos bailout bill, S.2290, failing by ten votes to invoke cloture and end a filibuster against considering the bill.

Needing 60 votes, proponents were able to muster only 50, falling short of even a bare Senate majority.

All Democrats present and voting, except for Senator Zell Miller (GA), opposed proceeding to the bill.  All 49 Republicans who were present and voting supported proceeding to the bill.

Three Senators, Republicans Ben Campbell (CO) and Arlen Specter (PA), and Democrat John Kerry (MA) were absent.

You can reach Senate offices through the U.S. Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121; additional information on how to contact your Senator can be found at:

http://action.peopleoverprofits.org/legDirectory/

Today's vote is a significant victory for the hundreds of thousands of victims of asbestos poisoning, and for their families, but this fight is not over.

Beginning immediately, Senators will begin a new round of negotiations in an effort to develop Asbestos Trust Fund legislation.  ATLA remains unwavering in its commitment to oppose any bill that does not place the interests of victims over the selfish financial interests of the asbestos companies and their insurers.

The bill rejected by the Senate today fails every test of fundamental fairness.  The victims of asbestos poisoning would have been forced to give up their legal rights and funneled into a proposed administrative system that was woefully under-funded; even pending cases and existing settlements would have been extinguished under the bill.  In addition, restrictive eligibility criteria in the bill would have left tens of thousands of victims, perhaps many more, without any compensation whatsoever.

Thank you for all your help in this fight; ATLA will continue to stand up for the rights of your clients, but we will undoubtedly need to request your help again.  When trial lawyers speak up for the rights of ordinary Americans, there is no more powerful voice.

[Back to top]

Free Case Evaluation Form (800) 281-9804

CAPTCHA
This question is for testing whether you are a human visitor and to prevent automated spam submissions.
Image CAPTCHA
Enter the characters shown in the image.

Free Case Evaluation Form (800) 281-9804