Yesterday, a $10 million verdict against Ford Motor Company was overturned in Texas.

Carolyn Miller died at age 54 from mesothelioma; she was exposed to asbestos fibers that clung to her father's clothing when he returned from work. He was employed by Ford on and off for over a decade, where he worked directly with asbestos. In 2001, Carolyn, her father, and her husband were awarded $10 million in damages from Ford. Now, an appellate court ruled that because Carolyn never entered Ford property, the company is not responsible for her asbestos exposure. They court also revoked Carolyn's father's award, claiming that he "only might" develop cancer.

In overturning the decision, this appellate court is doing a significant injustice to a family whose daughter unexpectedly and suddenly died as a direct result of asbestos exposure. It is likely that Carolyn's father will experience health complications caused by the asbestos, and revoking his settlement will substantially limit his medical treatment options. Companies should be ready to take full responsibility for overlooking the dangers of asbestos and failing to use safe substitutes. To read the full story, click here.

The United States and Canada are two of very few countries which have not yet outlawed asbestos.  But formative plans in Canada reveal that steps are being taken towards a comprehensive ban.

Unions in British Columbia are urging Parliament to endorse a New Democratic Party plan to prohibit the use of the toxin in Canada.  The plan includes phasing out the use and export of asbestos, as well as providing assistance to asbestos miners in Canada.  Over the next 5 years, 1500 British Columbia miners are expected to die of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related complications, so supporters are pushing fervently for immediate action.  For the complete story, click here.

Chemical maker W.R. Grace & Co. said this morning that it would settle thousands of asbestos-related personal injury claims spanning decades.

The settlement includes $250 million that would be put in a trust. It also includes deferred payments of $110 million per year for five years beginning in 2019 and $100 million per year for ten years beginning in 2024.

Grace filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2001 to protect itself from 135,000 asbestos-related claims spanning decades.