Iowa Law Addresses Over-Naming of Defendants in Asbestos-Related Lawsuits

Clients new to asbestos litigation often wonder why so many defendants are named in these lawsuits. Is it just a tactic to see what sticks? Recently, Iowa legislators addressed this issue by passing a bill that requires plaintiffs to provide detailed information about their claims before naming defendants. This shift aims to reduce the burden on companies and streamline the litigation process. However, concerns remain, particularly regarding the impact on veterans and those with personal connections to asbestos exposure. Discover how this groundbreaking legislation could reshape asbestos-related lawsuits in Iowa and beyond.

Madison County Circuit Court Considers Question of Duty, Grants Defendant U.S. Steel Corporation’s Motion for Summary Judgment

The Madison County Circuit Court granted U.S. Steel’s motion for summary judgment in a wrongful-death action alleging take-home asbestos exposure. Without deciding whether a premises owner owes a duty to the spouse of an independent contractor, the court ruled that the plaintiff failed to present sufficient evidence of asbestos exposure at U.S. Steel sites under the frequency, regularity, and proximity standard.