Philadelphia Asbestos Lawyers Discuss Troubling FACT Act

After an earlier version of the bill was archived and not enacted, last year a Representative from Texas introduced the Act for a second time, after strategically repackaging the bill. On January 8, 2016, the U.S. House of Representatives passed this bill by a slim margin. Every single one of the 172 Democrats in the House voted against the bill, as well as 16 Republicans. If the Senate passes the Act, President Obama, who has been outspoken against the bill, may veto it when it reaches the Oval Office.

What Does the FACT Act Do?

This bill would require asbestos trusts to publicly disclose information about the settlement terms between trusts and claimants. Currently, these terms are treated as private and confidential information. This information is currently kept so secure that it is neither discoverable nor admissible in court. If passed, the FACT Act will:

• Publicly list “the name and exposure history of a claimant and the basis for any payment from the trust made to such claimant”

• Place the last four digits of asbestos victims’ Social Security numbers on a public website

• Create new obstacles for victims seeking compensation

• Reveal personal financial information about asbestos victims

• Put asbestos victims and their families at risk for possible blacklisting and discrimination

Philadelphia Mesothelioma Lawyers at Bookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler Stand With Asbestos Victims

If this Act is passed, corporations that have exposed Americans to a known carcinogen will not be held accountable for the harm and suffering they caused. The Act also puts victims at risk by publicly displaying personal and financial information. Congress should be focused on stopping the import of asbestos and ensuring that the EPA can effectively ban this harmful product—not placing obstacles in the path of victims.

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the compassionate Philadelphia asbestos lawyers at Brookman, Rosenberg, Brown & Sandler stand with you. We pledge to fight for maximum compensation for our clients in the face of new legal developments. Contact us today at 800-369-0899 or submit an online inquiry to schedule a review of your case. We represent victims of asbestos exposure throughout New Jersey and Pennsylvania.