Jump to full article: The Wall Street Journal Interactive Edition, 2007-01-09
Author: Mark B. Abelson
Intro: In response to the Dec. 5 editorial-page commentary "Trusts Busted" by Kimberley Strassel: In June of 2000, Harry Kananian died of mesothelioma, a rare cancer of the lining of the lungs, caused only by past exposure to asbestos fibers. Prior to his death, a personal injury lawsuit was filed on his behalf in California.
A number of companies that made or sold asbestos-containing products were named as defendants, including Lorillard Tobacco Co.
. . .
The allegations leveled against the defendant companies, including Lorillard, in both California and Ohio have been entirely consistent. At all times, plaintiffs have asserted that it was the cumulative dose of asbestos inhaled by Mr. Kananian from all sources that caused his mesothelioma.
Lorillard, in conscious disregard for the health and safety of its customers, incorporated a particularly lethal form of asbestos fiber into its Kent "Micronite" cigarette filters from 1952-1956. . . .
Seeking damages from all of the companies who profited from the sale of this deadly material is not "double dipping," but rather is entirely proper under our system of civil jurisprudence to ensure full and complete compensation for injuries or death caused by an individual's cumulative past exposure to asbestos.
. . .
I would hope the Journal could be more concerned with compensation of innocent people unwittingly exposed and injured by this deadly material rather than leveling unfounded allegations that somehow the attorneys representing these victims are trying to "double dip."
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