WASHINGTON, D.C. — Lisa A. Rickard, president of the U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform (ILR), made the following statement today about Utah Governor Gary Herbert signing into law a bill to curb “double dip” claims against asbestos bankruptcy trusts and in the tort system (HB 403):
“Utah’s new law aimed at stopping plaintiffs’ lawyer ‘double dipping’ — seeking money from multiple asbestos trusts in addition to bringing a lawsuit, all on behalf of the same individual — is a significant step toward fighting asbestos lawsuit abuse. This law will ensure that companies and bankruptcy trusts both pay their fair share of recoveries to claimants. It will also mean that Utah companies won’t be the targets of wrongful lawsuits.
“Utah now joins a growing number of states including Arizona, Ohio, Oklahoma, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin that have recently enacted such laws to bring transparency to the asbestos compensation system. Other states should follow their lead.
“We especially commend Representative Brad Wilson and Senator J. Stuart Adams for their tireless work in the legislature, and Governor Herbert for signing this bill into law.”
ILR seeks to promote civil justice reform through legislative, political, judicial, and educational activities at the national, state, and local levels.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world’s largest business federation representing the interests of more than 3 million businesses of all sizes, sectors, and regions, as well as state and local chambers and industry associations.
