FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 30, 2023
ADAO EXPRESSES DISAPPOINTMENT ABOUT VERDICT IN BNSF V. THE CENTER FOR ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASE IN LIBBY, MONTANA
Asbestos-Ridden Small Town of Libby Under Unwarranted Scrutiny that Could Erode Asbestos Victims’ Rights
The following statement is from Linda Reinstein, co-founder, and President of ADAO, in response to the verdict reached on June 26 regarding a lawsuit filed by BNSF Railway against the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana, citing the filing of false medical claims on behalf of asbestos victims.
“We strongly support the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana, for all of their incredible work to provide necessary medical care to individuals suffering from diseases caused by the massive levels of exposure to Libby Amphibole Asbestos.
A lawsuit was filed by BNSF, which Montana’s Supreme Court found liable in 2020 for shipping asbestos-tainted vermiculite from a nearby mine through Libby, alleging the filing of false asbestos claims by CARD on behalf of victims. It is important to note that the Office of the Inspector General for the Department of Health and Human Services thoroughly investigated these claims and decided not to pursue any charges against CARD. However, the verdict was in BNSF’s favor, even though BNSF played a crucial role in spreading asbestos across the Libby region over decades. In the small town of 3,000, more than 400 people have already died from diseases directly caused by asbestos disease.
This legal action taken by BNSF is deeply disappointing, particularly given the prior ruling by the Asbestos Claims Court, which was subsequently affirmed by the Montana Supreme Court, holding BNSF strictly liable for the harm caused to individuals affected by asbestos exposure in the Libby area.
Now is not the time to be punishing asbestos victims. The focus should be on holding corporations like BNSF accountable. Upholding justice and protecting the rights of those who have suffered from asbestos-related diseases is of utmost importance.”
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About the Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization
The Asbestos Disease Awareness Organization (ADAO) is a global leader combining education, advocacy, and community initiatives to prevent and end asbestos exposure. ADAO seeks to raise public awareness about the dangers of asbestos and advocate for an asbestos ban. ADAO, a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, does not make legal referrals. For more information, visit www.asbestosdiseaseawareness.org.