(openPR) - Nadrich & Cohen, LLP reports that W.R. Grace has offered a $19.5M settlement to Montana residents who suffered asbestos-related complications.

Los Angeles, CA, February 3, 2012 – W.R. Grace has proposed a $19.5 million settlement to cover health care expenses for residents of Libby, Montana who suffered asbestos exposure caused by the company’s nearby vermiculite mine. The settlement funds would ensure that the Libby Medical Program, which was established in 2000 to care for affected residents, would be allowed to continue operations.

W.R. Grace filed for bankruptcy protection in 2001. The settlement is part of the company’s reorganization plan, which would also establish an Asbestos Personal Injury Trust to provide additional funds for the asbestos victims. A Montana court previously approved a $43 million settlement for 1,128 asbestos victims involved in approximately 200 lawsuits filed against the state. The plaintiffs are expected to begin receiving distributions of those funds in the next few weeks.

Exposure to asbestos can cause serious complications, including certain lung diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a type of cancer affecting the lining of the lungs. While there is treatment available for mesothelioma patients, there is a high fatality rate associated with this condition.

According to an AP report, approximately 400 people have died after being exposed to asbestos from the mine. The Center for Asbestos Related Diseases in Libby is currently providing care for approximately 2,800 patients. The Libby Medical Program provides health care for approximately 1,100 individuals who worked or lived near the mine and developed asbestos-related conditions.

Patients who are diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma or another asbestos-related condition may be eligible to file a claim for compensation. These individuals are encouraged to seek the aid of an experienced personal injury lawyer to discuss their legal rights.

Nadrich & Cohen LLP is offering confidential, no-cost consultations to individuals across the country who suffered health complications caused by asbestos exposure. Help is available by calling the firm’s injury hotline at 1-800-718-4658 or by completing a confidential online contact form at www.nationalasbestosattorney.com.

Nadrich & Cohen LLP is a national law firm with offices in Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Diego and other cities throughout California specializing in handling mass tort actions and representing individuals in cases involving pharmaceutical companies and medical device manufacturers. The firm is committed to achieving the best outcome possible in every case and has recovered over $200 million in settlements on behalf of its clients.

In addition to handling asbestos/mesothelioma claims, the firm is also investigating cases involving Accutane, Actos, Zoloft, Fosamax, Paxil, Vaginal Mesh, Wright Conserve Hips, Yaz, Yasmin, Stevens-Johnson Syndrome, Benzene, Reflex Sympathy Dystrophy, Fen Phen and PPH, Depakote and Reglan. For more information, visit www.personalinjurylawcal.com.

Jennifer Poole
National Client Intake Coordinator
Nadrich & Cohen LLP
12100 Wilshire Blvd.
Suite 1250
Los Angeles, CA 90025
800-718-4658
info@personalinjurylawcal.com
www.personalinjurylawcal.com