W.R. Grace & Co. said recently that it has reached a deal that could be worth more than $3 billion to settle thousands of lawsuits by people who say they were sickened by exposure to the company's asbestos products. The claims against Grace stem from asbestos in the company's building materials and fire- protection products before 1973. To get a piece of the settlement, claimants will have to apply to the trust fund. A panel will determine if the claim qualifies and then seek to determine an award amount. The amount a victim receives will depend on such factors as age and severity of the illness. The company and some of its current and former executives still face criminal charges.
Some victims were unhappy with the settlement. One victim who lost both of her parents to asbestos disease and now suffers from it herself fears the amount she could receive from the settlement will not cover all her health costs, let alone adequately compensate her for her turmoil.
