A proposed bill supported by asbestos companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce is encountering push-back from a number of mesothelioma advocates. If passed, the bill – the Furthering Asbestos Claims Transparency (FACT) Act – would likely make it much more difficult for asbestos victims and their loved ones to pursue mesothelioma claims and could limit their ability to recover timely compensation.

Here are a few key points about the bill:

The FACT Act (HR 526) was introduced in January by U.S. Rep. Blake Farenthold of Texas. This is the third time lawmakers have attempted to pass similar legislation in Congress.
Opponents of the bill argue that it would significantly compromise mesothelioma victims’ ability to secure compensation. Primarly, the act would require quarterly reports (which require additional resources) from approximately 60 trust funds set up by bankruptcy courts to compensate mesothelioma victims.
If passed, the bill would also require trust funds to publicly disclose personal information about victims who filed claims. Many opponents believe this to be a tactic to prevent mesothelioma victims from pursuing claims.
For an overwhelming amount of opponents, the FACT Act creates burdens and obstacles that would ultimately prevent mesothelioma victims and their families from recovering full and fair compensation in a timely fashion. By allowing asbestos companies to request information from trusts, they enable them to constrict limited resources that should be used to further the process of paying claims.

A number of victims, families, and organizations have been outspoken in their opposition of the FACT Act and are encouraging other victims and supporters to educate themselves about the transparent attempts of big business to silence those they’ve harmed. If you have questions about mesothelioma claims and your rights, our attorneys are available to help. Contact Nemeroff Law Firm today.