Ohio was one of the first states to enact legislative reforms aimed at reducing the number of asbestos suits in the state court system. In 2004, the Ohio legislature passed HB 292- The Asbestos Victims Fairness Act. That bill requires that those filing suit prove physical impairment. Those who don't meet specific medical criteria are barred from filing suit, but may file suit if symptoms develop later.
The Ohio reforms are further reaching than just requiring proof of physical impairment before allowing suit. The bill also affects who may be sued with provisions about piercing the corporate veil, premises liability and protection for successor companies. In essence, the Ohio asbestos reform bill protects many of the defendants traditionally sued in asbestos cases while requiring that plaintiffs prove that they have been actually affected by asbestos before they bring suit.
The reforms enacted in Ohio paved the way for other states to enact similar laws. To date, those states include Texas, Florida and Georgia
The Ohio reforms are further reaching than just requiring proof of physical impairment before allowing suit. The bill also affects who may be sued with provisions about piercing the corporate veil, premises liability and protection for successor companies. In essence, the Ohio asbestos reform bill protects many of the defendants traditionally sued in asbestos cases while requiring that plaintiffs prove that they have been actually affected by asbestos before they bring suit.The reforms enacted in Ohio paved the way for other states to enact similar laws. To date, those states include Texas, Florida and Georgia
