Senate Democrats End 19 Hour Filibuster On Changes To Asbestos Lawsuits

Missouri Senate democrats filibustered for about 19 hours against a bill that would put time limits on including certain information in asbestos poisoning lawsuits.

The chamber started working on the proposal Tuesday afternoon and agreed to end their filibuster around 11 a.m. today in exchange for initial approval to a different bill that would only allow punitive damages in lawsuit payouts if there is “clear and convincing” evidence of intentional harm.

Joplin State Senator Bill White’s legislation needs one more favorable vote to head to the House.

Punitive damages are awarded by a court when a defendant’s conduct is determined to be egregious or intentional. They are awarded as a deterrent or punishment for the defendant.

Under the proposal, a claim for punitive damages could not be part of an initial court filing. That change is designed to lessen calls for lawsuits to be settled before going to trial.

Supporters, including the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and other business groups, say the legal climate in Missouri inflates insurance costs and deters businesses from coming to the state.

Critics believe the changes would make it difficult for people who have been wronged to seek monetary damages.