Momentum in Congress, courts, states pushing asbestos litigation reform. (Slants & Trends).

Asbestos litigation reform advocates are optimistic that a bill will be forthcoming from Congress this year to provide what they say is much-needed relief for the overburdened court system and corporations sliding into bankruptcy.

Because of the thousands of asbestos claims filed, about 60 companies have gone bankrupt, spending $54 billion on litigation and settlements. The RAND Institute for Civil Justice has estimated that before all future claims are exhausted in the middle of this century, the costs could increase to $265 billion (ALA, October, p. 101).

Incoming Senate Judiciary Chairman Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) has reportedly said conditions are ...