W.R. Grace Asbestos Trial Continues
Last Friday we wrote about the attempts of W.R. Grace & Co. to keep asbestos victims from observing the trial proceedings if they were testifying in the case. Earlier, Judge Molloy ruled that the victims could not attend and observe the trial, however his ruling was overturned by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit ordered that they would not make a blanket ruling and that “particularized findings with respect to each of the 34 victim-witnesses” would have to take place.
Today it was reported that Assistant U.S. Attorney Kris McLean told the court that all of the victim-witnesses who have not yet testified have agreed to waive their right to observe the trial. This means that trial will resume tomorrow morning with the continued testimony of Paul Peronard, the government employee responsible for the investigation and clean up of Libby, Montana.
It is reported that to date about 300 people from Libby, Montana have lost their lives to an asbestos related disease, such as mesothelioma or asbestosis. Thousands in the area have had their lives or the lives of loved ones impacted by exposure to asbestos. The deaths as a result of inhaling the deadly fiber will continue for years as there is a delay of anywhere from 10 to 50 years between time of exposure and developing symptoms.
For more complete information about the history of the mine owned and operated by W.R. Grace until 1990 in Libby, Montana and the current trial proceedings, and to read more about the personal stories of those affected by asbestos-related disease, please visit CNN’s article at http://www.cnn.com/2009/CRIME/03/02/corp.pollution.trial/index.html
