Reduced Ability to File in Eastern District of TX?

Apparently Volskwagen has challenged the ability of judges in Marshall TX to refuse to transfer a case out of that jurisdiction. Though the case is not asbestos-related (it's a product liability case for allegedly faulty car seats) it may have a broader impact on cases in what has been referred to as Texas's "Rocket Docket."

See WSJ Law Blog

Nanotube technology causes asbestos-like lung diseases?

The NY Times has a great opening paragraph on this:

"Nanotubes, one of the wonder materials of the new age of nanotechnology, may carry a health risk similar to that of asbestos, a wonder material of an earlier age that turned into a scourge after decades of use when its fibers were found to cause lung disease ..."

Full article:

NY Times - Health Risks from Nanotubes

Medical Malpractice Crisis - Yes or No ?

The "medical malpractice" crisis has received much press. Over the last few years, more data has started to emerge that allows some testing of the arguments.

Two recent articles are interesting and suggest that some of the draconion "tort reform" efforts may be too much. One is a a Suffolk University article on May 13, 2008 that reports a study on malpractice cases in Massachusetts. It suggest that the "medical malpractice crisis" is overblown. Another is a May 18, 2008 New York Times article by Kevin Sack that reports favorable results for hospitals and doctors who disclose errors and offer to settle, at reasonable numbers.

Japanese Asbestos Litigation Ramps Up - Suit by 178 Plaintiffs Names 46 Companies and Government as Defendants

Asbestos litigation is ramping up in Japan. The English language version of a Japanese newspaper article reports that a lawsuit was filed in Japan late last week on behalf of 178 contruction workers (or their heirs) against 46 building products companies and agencies of the Japanese government. The article does not identify the defendants, or the lawyers. The articel also says that "About 40 construction workers from Kanagawa Prefecture will also file a similar suit at the Yokohama District Court in June."A parallel article on Wikinews adds some quotes from workers, but not much more.Surprisingly, the website of the International Ban Asbestos Secretariat does not yet include an article on the topic. That may well change.