Stripping Citizens’ Rights in Oklahoma
Monday, March 23rd, 2009
Oklahoma state legislators are considering legislation that could profoundly impact people with asbestos-related diseases.
On March 5 the Oklahoma House of Representatives passed a “tort reform” bill, HR 1603. If made into law, the 204-page bill would change procedures and requirements for filing personal injury lawsuits. Among other things, HR 1603 requires an expert witness to pre-certify a lawsuit.
The bill also contains several pages of provisions affecting asbestos-related litigation, and not in favor of plaintiffs. Deadly asbestos-related diseases include lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis.
The House bill’s author, Rep. Daniel Sullivan, predicts the bill will pass in the Oklahoma Senate also. The biggest roadblock to HR 1603’s becoming law is the state’s governor, Brad Henry, who vetoed a similar bill two years ago. A spokesman for the governor said he supports the rights of the people to have their grievances heard in courts.
Barbara O’Brien
March 16, 2009
Sources:
Michael McNutt, “Oklahoma tort reform takes big step,” The Oklahoman, March 5, 2009
Janice Francis-Smith, “Oklahoma Republicans play ’shell game’ with tort measure,” The Oklahoma City Journal-Record, March 4, 2009
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