The nonprofit legal services organization Public Justice is appealing to the U.S. Supreme Court a decision by the Alabama Supreme Court that deprives people with cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, benzene, and other toxic substances the right to their day in court. According to the recent ruling by the Alabama Supreme Court, victims of diseases caused by toxic substances must file suit within two years of their exposure to a toxic substance, but only after they become sick. In most cases, however, victims of cancer caused by exposure to toxic substances don’t become sick until many years, even decades, after exposure. Protesting the unfairness of this decision, the four-judge dissent noted that as a result, “no matter when the person attempts to file the action, it is either too early or too late.” Most states, by contrast, allow victims of such diseases to file suit within a certain period of time after the discovery of the disease and its cause. For more information about this case, visit Public Justice’s website at www.publicjustice.net.
Public Justice Appeals Unfair Alabama Law to United States Supreme Court
05
Apr
2007






