Libby Pre-trial Arguments To Begin
Pre-trial arguments regarding the evidence that will be allowed in the W.R. Grace Libby, Montana mine trial are set to begin in Missoula, Montana this week. Lawyers from both sides will meet at a hearing scheduled Wednesday in order to determine what evidence from each side will be presented during trial.
The federal criminal charges against the owner of the Libby mine stem from the allegations that Grace and managers for the company knew of the dangers of asbestos but yet failed to protect the health and well being of individuals associated with the mine by withholding knowledge of such risks. W.R. Grace denies all allegations.
Asbestos is a substance that was mined throughout the early to mid-twentieth century and used in a number of materials in the automotive and building industries. The dangerous nature of the substance was not realized until the 1970’s at which point congress formed the Occupational Safety and Health Administration and use of asbestos began to become more regulated.
Today the individuals who work around asbestos are required to be trained and wear protective gear in order to prevent exposure. Exposure to asbestos fibers has been known to lead to the development of a number of fatal diseases which include mesothelioma, asbestosis, and lung cancer. Such diseases typically have such a long latency period that it is often very difficult to find effective treatment options by the time they are discovered.
The W.R. Grace trial is scheduled to begin February 19, 2009 before U.S. District Court Judge Donald Molloy. The trial is expected to last approximately three months.