What the Occupational Disease Compensation Act means for you
The Occupational Disease Compensation Act was introduced to Congress in 1983 by Congressman George Miller. This piece of legislation advocated a workers’ compensation type program for employees affected by exposure to toxic substances such as asbestos.
Similar to other pieces of legislation that have since followed, such as the Fairness in Asbestos Injury Resolution Act (FAIR) this act which would have made compensation from a national insurance fund the sole solution for asbestos-related claims brought against employers. Just like the other acts however, the Occupational Disease Compensation Act was never passed.
The official publication for the Society of Risk Analysis estimated that costs for this legislation would “range from a low of $131 million to a high of $1.9 billion.” These amounts reflect what would have been significantly less compensation than what many plaintiffs could obtain in suits against the companies responsible for their illnesses.
As one of the nation’s leading litigation law firms, Weitz & Luxenberg believes individuals should be treated as individuals, on a case by case basis. Long-term medical costs associated with asbestos-related diseases can be considerably high. There are also often other related expenses that will arise because of the condition, such as wages from missed work, not to mention the pain and suffering that the patient must endure.
If you believe that someone is responsible for causing your uncle’s or your father’s asbestos-related illness, please contact us right away. An asbestos lawsuit can help you recover the cost of medical bills, lost wages and other expenses.Your uncle or father may be eligible to receive compensation to help pay for necessary medical treatment and ensure the best care possible. Filing a legal claim can also help to hold the company that caused the exposure accountable.
For over two decades, Weitz & Luxenberg P.C. has handled some of the most legally complicated and
groundbreaking asbestos litigation in the country. We have achieved multi-million dollar mass tort verdicts and settlements for many of our clients. If you would like a free consultation or more information about your legal options, please complete the form on this page, and a representative of our law firm will contact you as soon as possible.
Sources:
http://www.mcclatchydc.com/2010/07/21/97624/asbestos-us-legacy-may-be-half.html
http://lawreview.law.ucdavis.edu/issues/41-4_Smith.pdf
http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1539-6924.1987.tb00969.x/abstract
NYC Inspector punished for faking asbestos tests: what this means for you