The State Senate is being asked to consider legislation that would restrict liability in asbestos cases. For years, asbestos was used in insulation until it was found to be a cause of health problems. It’s not used in buildings any more. But many erected prior to the discovery contain asbestos. Senator John Cauthorn wants to limit the liability of those companies in asbestos lawsuits – especially businesses that assume control of the older companies. Cauthorn says it’s wrong to penalize a company for using something that was alright at one time, but is banned now. The legislation was inspired by the anouncement that the A.P. Green Company, in Cauthorn’s Senate district, would close its doors – in part because of the high costs of defending itself against litigation. Cauthorn points out the move resulted in the loss of 120 jobs. The company is set to shut down in a few weeks.
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