If you have been exposed to asbestos at some point in your life and have since developed a deadly disease, you might already know about the FACT Act, passed by the House of Representatives in late 2013. The FACT Act is otherwise known as the Furthering Asbestos Claim Transparency Act and is sure to threaten asbestos victims and their rights in many ways if passed into law in the future.
Here are just three of the ways victims of asbestos exposure will be affected:
1) Asbestos claimants’ exposure histories and health statuses would essentially become public information. Where details like these would normally be attainable through state-regulated procedures, this information will be made available on a public website.
2) Compensation awarded to victims would become harder to obtain. Many sufferers of asbestos-related illnesses have passed the age of retirement. The FACT Act could further delay compensation beyond the life of the claimant.
3) What were once confidential settlements would be required to be made public. The FACT Act demands that asbestos trusts disclose the amount of their payments, destroying the claimants’ privacy.
The bill was passed into the House of Representatives in 2013. Real asbestos victims were denied the opportunity to make their voices heard within the House, and disappointingly watched the bill pass in November. The FACT Act still requires Senate and presidential approval before it is enacted as a law, so there is still time to fight for your rights.
Contact us today if you have developed an asbestos-related disease as a result of exposure. Brayton Purcell L.L.P. is ceaselessly fighting for the rights of those affected by this hazardous substance.
Sources: 1, 2, 3
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