Who's Who in Asbestos

AAJ
American Association for Justice; new name of the ATLA (American Trial Lawyers Association). Group voted to shed inclusion of "trial lawyers" because of negative public perception. AAJ/ATLA is the most active lobbying force against tort reform and asbestos litigation reform in Congress and all 50 states.

ADAO
Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization. Founded by spouses and families of asbestos victims; leading support and activist group for victims, claims no influence from any special interest faction in Asbestos Crisis (lawyers, defendant corporations, lobbyists, medeia, etc.)

AFL-CIO
The nation’s leading union organization has been caught in an asbestos dilemma: defensive about the rights of workers to pursue claims for job-related injuries and concerned about the loss of jobs and damage to the economy caused by the current situation. The AFL-CIO has grudgingly advocated reform but opposed all specific efforts, including the FAIR Act, as “inadequate.”

AIA (American Insurance Association)
The group of major insurance companies is strongly in favor of reform of a system that has already cost them billions and threatens the financial integrity of the entire insurance industry. The AIA has supported the FAIR Act, but recently backed off an endorsement after amendments increased the total amount of the “Asbestos Trust Fund” to $114 billion, an amount it deems “excessive.”

ATLA (American Trial Lawyers Association)
The leading opponent of asbestos reform is a small but extremely powerful political force, contributing millions directly to campaign funds and millions more through member lawyers and law firm employees. ATLA members are the primary beneficiaries under the current system, reaping billions in windfall profits. If the FAIR Act is passed, those profits will still be in the millions, but a small fraction of the current astronomical amounts.

AVO (Asbestos Victims Organization)
Support group for victims founded by author of book on Asbestos Crisis.

Archer, Dennis
President of the American Bar Association (former trial attorney and mayor of Detroit) backed the effort by the ABA to endorse Congressional legislation to limit asbestos lawsuits. "I became even more concerned when a great company like Federal-Mogul of Southfield went into bankruptcy, not from exposing workers in Michigan to asbestos, but because it had acquired a British company."

Asbestos Alliance
A group led by the National Association of Manufacturers; includes major corporations and insurers: strongly supports asbestos reform legislation; works with Congress on proposals and underwrites efforts to inform the general public of the detrimental effects of the current asbestos litigation system.

Asbestos Litigation Reform Coalition
A national coalition of small businesses, community leaders, legislators, trade associations, insurers, plaintiff lawyers, doctors and victims with a stated purpose of educating Americans about the asbestos crisis and securing fair legislative reform. “Clearly, the asbestos litigation system is broken. The flood of claims by healthy people is taking compensation from those who are legitimately ill and taking a growing toll on our economy. If these trends continue, it is inevitable that many people who develop mesothelioma in the future will go uncompensated.”

Asbestos Survivors Network
A national grassroots organization representing survivors of Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses and their families. “There is a crisis facing those with asbestos-related illnesses and their families. The current explosion of asbestos-related claims by those that are not yet sick clog the court system and can dramatically reduce, delay or eliminate compensation for those that are. Congress must find a legislative solution that protects the rights of the sick and their families and that is fair to all parties.”

Baron, Fred
Co-founder and former managing partner of the nation’s largest asbestos-only law firm (Baron & Budd) and former president of the ATLA, Baron is an outspoken and controversial opponent of asbestos reform. Baron has publicly asserted that “…there is no crisis” and promised “there will be a jihad” against those who try to reform the asbestos litigation system. With more than 10,000 asbestos clients and almost a billion dollars in estimated asbestos profits in hand, Baron has proved a formidable and determined leader of the counter-attack against asbestos reform.

Bell, Griffin
Former U.S. attorney general and active proponent of reform; described the asbestos litigation as “a disaster of major proportions.”

Biden, Senator Joe
The Delaware Democrat represents a state that is home to hundreds of defendant corporations and insurers but remains a powerful ally of trial lawyer lobby in general and asbestos lawyer lobby in particular.

Biden, Joseph III
Son of U. S. Senator, Joe Biden; recently named partner of law firm affiliated with SimmonsCooper;; filed first flurry of imported asbestos claims in Delaware.

Bono, Randy
SimmonsCooper lawyer is among leading asbestos plaintiff attorneys; dubbed "Chairman of Madison County" for number of cases filed in notorious pro-plaintiff jurisdiction in Illinois.

Brayton, Purcell
California firm is among Top 5 asbestos specialists; poster firm for "double-dipping" controversy becuse of involvement in news-making Ohio case, multiple claims to various asbestos trusts for multiple asbestos injuries from multiple causes to single plaintiff.

Brickman, Lester
Professor of Law and legal ethics expert has been leading analysts and critic of asbestos litigation practices. Has called for empanelling federal grand jury to consider criminal charges for fraud, bribery, racketeering and conspiracy against attorneys who have abused legal system for asbestos profiteering.

Celotex
Common asbestos defendant; recently formed Asbestos Trust.

Crapo, Dr. James
National Jewish Medical Research Center. A leading expert on asbestos illness testified that the medical criteria incorporated in the FAIR Act is reasonable, precise and commensurate with medical standards.

Donohue, Tom
President/CEO U.S. Chamber of Commerce “When it comes down to the amount of money at stake and the number of businesses adversely affected, there is no single legal issue more potentially damaging to the U.S. business community and our country as a whole than asbestos litigation."

Eagle, Picher
Common asbestos defendant. Company capitulated to onslaught of claims, formed Asbestos Trust

Early, Ludwick
Early, Ludwick, Strauss: major asbestos law firm; involved in "double-dipping" claim controversy.

Edwards, John
Former senator and VP candidate is a trial lawyer himself and favorite candidate and political ally of leading asbestos lawyers and law firms, avowed opponent of tort reform and asbestos litigation reform.

Feinstein, Senator Dianne
California Democrat has been a voice of reason for Asbestos Crisis resolution in spite of traditional ties to reform opponents, one of few Senate Democrats to support asbestos reform.

Harron, Dr. Ray
Now infamous B-reader, Dr. Harron's finding of asbestos damage on more than 50,000 x-rays has been used as "expert medical evidence" to secure compensation for thousands of claimants; now deemed "simply unreliable."

Hatch, Senator Orrin
The original sponsor of the FAIR Act, the Utah Republican led the effort to develop a comprehensive solution to the asbestos problem and has reached across party lines to enlist support from Democrats.

Harvey, Brian
Mesothelioma victim who provided dramatic testimony for Congressional legislation to reform asbestos litigation. “The vast majority of claims are being brought by people who are not currently sick…It makes me angry that these cases are forcing defendants into bankruptcy and diverting funds from people who are sick…Congress must act comprehensively to address the asbestos crisis…”

Halliburton
Common asbestos defendant; negotiated $5 billion settlement of asbestos claims in 2006.

Heartland Institute
A nationally recognized, independent source of research and commentary, not affiliated with any political party, business or foundation. “The national plague of asbestos litigation is about to arrive on your doorstep in the form of higher prices, lost employment, collapsing stock prices and delayed justice. The nation stands on the brink of a judicial crisis that can be prevented only if you make your opinions known to elected officials, and soon.”

Institute for Legal Reform
A non-profit institution associated with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. “America's legal crisis is crippling companies, driving down shareholder value, putting employees out of work, raising consumer prices and making a handful of plaintiffs' trial lawyers millionaires overnight."

Jack, Janis Graham Jack
Federal judge in Southern District of Texas: finding of fraud and stern criticism of attorneys who submit claims "manufactured for money" heightened national focus on asbestos and silicosis litigation abuse.

Johns Manville
The leading manufacturer-producer of asbestos was forced into bankruptcy in 1982. The Manville Trust was the first and largest asbestos fund established to provide for asbestos victims. In spite of court approvals and certification that fund would suffice to pay all claims, the Manville Trust was overwhelmed by uninjured plaintiff claims that reduced payment amounts to five cents on the dollar.

Johnson, Robert G., MD, FCCP
Cardiothoracic medical expert from Boston; testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in favour of medical criteria specified in FAIR Act reform legislation: “…These criteria are conservative and protective of claimants.”

Kazan, Steven
Prominent attorney representing only seriously injured asbestos claimants. Critic of the current system and abuse by mass tort asbestos lawyers. ''Asbestos litigation has become a national nightmare, as well as a national disgrace.''

Kraus, Paul
Nine-year mesothelioma survivor; inspiration to many asbestos victims; advocate of multi-faceted treatment program, including alternative medicine programs.

Kyl, Senator Jon
The Arizona Republican opposes reform efforts that do not go far enough in curtailing abuse by lawyers and unimpaired claimants; Kyl insisted that Senate reports include disclosure of the widespread fraud in asbestos litigation.

Leahy, Senator Patrick
The Democrat from Vermont is a Senate leader in reform efforts.

Lorillard Tobacco
Tobacco maker is among common asbestos defendants because of inclusion of minute asbestos component in filters of Kent cigarettes in 1960s.

Marvin, Jodye
General Counsel for Claims Resolution Management of the Manville Trust.

McQueen, Steve
Movie actor died of mesothelioma in 1980.

Milberg, Weiss
One of the most active asbestos firms in New York, the firm of Milberg, Weiss, Bershad & Schulman was Indicted along with two attorneys in the firm for illegal kickbacks to class action representatives in May, 2006.

NAM (National Association of Manufacturers)
The oldest and largest industry association in America, leading pro-reform voice.

NAW (National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors)
40,000-member association includes almost a thousand “bystander defendants” in asbestos cases. Very active in support of loitigation reform.

National Bureau of Economic Research
Non-profit, non-partisan, economic research organization dedicated to promoting understanding of the economy has blistered trial lawyers for unethical and profiteering practices associated with asbestos litigation: “Legal innovations have worsened the asbestos crisis…”

NGA (National Governors Association)
The collective voice of the nation’s governors. “The Governors believe that it is time for Congress to respond to the Supreme Court's repeated calls for a legislative solution to this crisis.”

Nelson, Senator Ben
The Nebraska Democrat has displayed remarkable independence and real political courage in setting partisan considerations aside to support the FAIR Act as “clearly in the best interests of the people of Nebraska and the people of America.”

Ness, Motley, Loadholt, Richardson & Poole
South Carolina firm had been Top 5 in asbestos. Subject of NYC federal investigation into fraud in asbestos litigation. Firm was hit with a $36 million verdict in 2003 for malpractice in class action suit. Currently in process of dissolution.

New Dem Daily
The official publication of the Democratic Leadership Committee has abandoned the party line for higher ground on asbestos: “This is one issue where the fight is not simply a part of the age-old struggle between companies seeking to avoid financial responsibility for misdeeds and trial attorneys seeking to punish them while rewarding their clients and themselves…We agree with the Supreme Court .. that the goal should be to provide a secure, fair, and efficient means of compensating victims of asbestos exposure…”

O'Quinn Law Firm
Leading asbestos firm. Formerly O'Quinn, Laminack & Pirtle; plaintiff firm in silicosis class action controversy; chastised by Federal judge.

Owens Corning
Insulation maker emerged from bankruptcy with asbestos trust in place, 2006.

Reid, Harry
Nevada senator and Senate Majority Leader is a trial lawyer and leading opponent of all tort reform including asbestos litigation reform. Trial lawyers are career leaders in campaign donations to Reid.

Reinstein, Linda
Co-Founder and Executive Director of Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization.

Rice, Joe
Leading asbestos attorney and senior partner with Motley & Rice firm that has represented more than 96,000 asbestos claimants; criticized by legal ethicists for securing a $20 million payment from a Swiss company (ABB, Ltd.) to facilitate resolution of future asbestos claims while representing claimants against the company. In 2000, Rice threatened “nuclear war” against defendant companies who supported legislative reform.

Robles, Louis
Miami asbestos plaintiff attorney charged with bilking clients of tens of millions in asbestos dollars collected from defendant companies.

SBSC (Small Business Survival Committee)
A non-partisan, small business advocacy group with over 70,000 members nationwide. “The number of small businesses targeted in asbestos lawsuits stretches across the nation…retirees, stockholders and bondholders can be wiped out…Hundreds of billions of dollars in expected costs translate into less investment, less innovation, fewer jobs and slower economic growth.”

Scruggs, Richard
Outspoken “King of Asbestos,” Dickie Scruggs has been leading asbestos plaintiffs’ lawyer for 20 years. Recently expressed support for asbestos reform and criticized current litigation as “search for a solvent bystander.”

Simmons, John
SimmonsCooper principal; longtime leading asbestos claim lawyer. Defendant in malpractice claim by asbestos victims' advocate.

SimmonsCooper
Top 5 asbestos firm, said to be target of current federal investigation of asbestos litigation.

Sweeney, John, President of AFL-CIO
Sweeney previously advocated legislative reform, but later called for active opposition to the FAIR Act unless funding is increased. Since that time, the Asbestos Trust Fund amount has been raised by $42 billion. Sweeney has not rescinded his opposition, in spite of rank-and-file demands to protect union jobs and pensions jeopardized by asbestos litigation abuse.

U.S. Chamber of Commerce
Largest business federation in the world (3,000,000 members). Calls for equitable resolution of the “asbestos litigation crisis that is crippling the economy and threatening business in every sector.”

U.S. House of Representatives
The House has considered several asbestos reform proposals in the last 21 sessions of Congress. None advanced past a preliminary committee hearing.

U.S. Senate
Ten bills proposing variations on asbestos reform theme have been submitted to the Senate for consideration. Nine failed to survive through committees. The comprehensive FAIR Act (S.852) reached the floor in 2006 only to be blocked from a vote by a technical maneuver. At least ten Democrat senators including new Majority Leader Harry Reid have vowed to filibuster any future attempt at asbestos reform.

U.S. Steel Corp.
Common asbestos defendant, tens of thousands of cases pending.

U.S. Supreme Court
The court has considered three different aspects of asbestos litigation. Each time, the court has recognized the serious problems of the asbestos logjam but refused to intervene, citing Constitutional law as reason for congressional action as the only solution. The court openly exhorted Congress to pass legislation directed at reforming the entire asbestos litigation system.

Wall Street Journal
The leading media and journalism voice in the Asbestos Crisis. WSJ has provided extensive coverage, analysis and editorial comment on asbestos litigation and reform battles for many years.

Weitz & Luxenberg
Leading New York asbestos firm; currently under investigation by federal prosecutors for possible criminal acts related to asbestos claims.

WLA (White Lung Association)
Oldest non-profit victims support and activist organization.

Zevon, Warren
Singer-songwriter died of mesothelioma in 2003. Family active in asbestos victims’ support groups and victims rights.