Tapped Out: Bankruptcies in Asbestos Litigation and Their Effect on Product Identification

In the evolving landscape of asbestos litigation, the impact of company bankruptcies on product identification is profound. Since UNR Industries first filed for bankruptcy in 1982, over 130 companies have followed suit, altering the way plaintiffs identify exposures to asbestos-containing products. A 2015 Rand Corporation study revealed a startling decline in identification rates post-bankruptcy, raising questions about responsibility in eliciting information about these products. As the focus shifts from industrial exposures to talcum powder allegations, we must consider: is this change a consequence of bankruptcies or a deeper understanding of asbestos risks? Discover the complexities behind these critical issues.