February 9th, 2008

West Virginia is gearing up for a fight in the 2008 legislation session. On the floor is a debate about how asbestos lawsuits should be handled in the state. Two opposing sides have already begun the battle.

A line in the sand has been drawn when it comes to asbestos lawsuits and the 2008 legislation session in West Virginia. On one side are the people that believe that a failed measure by the last legislation should be reinstituted, making screening for people involved in asbestos lawsuits strict. The other side is for reforms introduced four years ago, which made court rulings quicker, a major concern for people suffering from asbestos related diseases.

Asbestos diseases, including mesothelioma and asbestosis, are usually terminal by the time they are diagnosed. Victims normally have months, or a couple of years, to live when a diagnosis of mesothelioma is handed to them, making drawn out lawsuits an issue. One attorney brought in a slide show of mesothelioma victims, stating by the time his clients approach him they are already dying and need a swift decision in their suits. Supporters of the current bill say the strict guidelines for lawsuits keep frivolous payouts from being handed to people that are not sick.