Mesothelioma Payout Laws - The Impact of New Legislature in 2025

How Legislation is Shaping Asbestos Payouts and Compensation Claims

New changes to how mesothelioma payout laws work in Georgia, Missouri, and Montana will either streamline or complicate the chances for people who were wrongfully exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with mesothelioma to receive legal compensation. These new regulations directly impact how claims are filed, introduce stricter transparency requirements, and limit access to asbestos trust funds, which served as a secure financial route for those whose health was affected, to pursue. As asbestos-related legislation continues to evolve across the United States, navigating this complex legal system demands the guidance of lung cancer and mesothelioma attorneys who are both experienced and licensed in a specific state.

Staying informed on the latest mesothelioma and asbestos claims payout laws is helpful to understanding you or your family member’s legal rights when it comes to mesothelioma and asbestosis, and protecting their financial future. A financial future of uncertainty, costly treatment frees, and other unforeseeable burdens. In this article, we break down the latest legislative developments in Georgia, Missouri, and Montana, and what they could mean for your right to seek justice and compensation.

How Georgia Senate Bill 68 Affects Asbestos Lawsuits

Senate Bill 68 limits financial compensation amounts available to those affected by restricting an attorney’s ability to suggest specific dollar amounts until evidence is closed for non-monetary damages, such as pain and suffering. This change could result in inconsistent jury verdicts and potentially reduce compensation amounts for victims of asbestos exposure. In addition to the reduction, the new mesothelioma payout laws focus on the actual amounts paid rather than the full cost of care when calculating medical expenses. This shift places more weight on reimbursed costs, such as what insurance paid, instead of the full value of treatment, which may not reflect the true financial burden faced by patients and families managing a mesothelioma diagnosis.

Opponents say, Senate Bill 68 may add new challenges for those now considering legal action, as it changes how compensation can be presented and calculated in court and in the end may not be enough to combat their suffering and growing medical bills. However, it’s important to note that the law does not apply retroactively so any cases filed before the bill went into effect will not be impacted by the new restrictions.

Additionally, SB 68 does not alter Georgia’s existing statute of limitations for asbestos-related claims. Individuals typically have two years from the date of diagnosis to file a personal injury lawsuit, or two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Anyone recently diagnosed with mesothelioma in Georgia should still act promptly, as understanding how the law now impacts new claims can make a significant difference when pursuing compensation.

Georgia Senate Bill 223 Proponents

Proponents of Georgia’s Senate Bill 68 argue it promotes fairness by preventing attorneys from suggesting specific compensation amounts too early in a trial, helping ensure verdicts are based on evidence rather than emotion, and reducing inconsistent non-economic damage awards. Senate Bill 223 builds on this concept but frames it as a way to protect small businesses, aiming to balance corporate accountability with victim rights.

For those suffering from mesothelioma or another asbestos caused disease, the bill acknowledges the importance of fair legal treatment and affirms that their cases are being recognized. As payout legislation moves forward, individuals affected by asbestos exposure in Georgia should stay informed about how it may impact their legal options and contact a professional for accurate legal advice.

Missouri House Bill 68: Shortened Timeframe for Mesothelioma Claims

Missouri House Bill 68 is proposing a significant change to the statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Right now, people who are diagnosed with mesothelioma have five years to file a lawsuit. But if this bill passes, that time frame will shrink to just two years for diagnoses made after August 28, 2025. This change could seriously impact those diagnosed with mesothelioma, a disease that often takes decades to develop after exposure to asbestos, and is far often too late to treat upon discovering. Many people don’t show symptoms until many years after their initial exposure, so shortening the time window to file a claim could leave some people with mesothelioma and lung cancer without a chance to seek compensation for treatment.

A good example of this happening in another state is in California. In 2003, California’s law under California Code of Civil Procedure 340.2 reduced the statute of limitations for filing an asbestos-related personal injury claim to one year after the injury is discovered. This change caused many individuals with long-latency diseases, like mesothelioma, to miss their opportunity to file a claim. In Missouri, if this bill passes, it will be crucial for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma to take immediate action and consult with a lawyer to ensure they don’t miss the new, shorter deadline for filing a claim.

Montana House Bill 303: BNSF Railway and Asbestos Exposure Cases

Montana’s House Bill 303, currently under consideration, could significantly impact those affected by asbestos exposure linked to the BNSF Railway. If passed, the new law would allow defendants, like BNSF Railway, to shift liability to parties who have already filed for bankruptcy, further complicating the legal process for victims seeking justice. By holding bankrupt parties liable, it could reduce the ability of individuals affected by the transportation of asbestos-laden vermiculite through Libby, Montana, to receive fair compensation. Workers affected by asbestos exposure due to BNSF Railway’s transportation of vermiculite include railroad employees, miners, and other laborers who came into direct contact with asbestos-laden materials while working at or near the W.R. Grace mine or along transportation routes.

BNSF Railway was responsible for transporting vermiculite from the W.R. Grace mine, spreading asbestos dust across various locations. In 2024, a federal jury found BNSF guilty of contributing to the deaths of two individuals exposed to the dust, awarding $4 million in damages to their estates. This case stamped BNSF’s role in the exposure, but House Bill 303 raises serious concerns about whether future victims of exposure will be able to hold responsible parties accountable under the new mesothelioma payout laws.

What To Do If You Live in Georgia, Missouri, or Montana

If you live in Georgia, Missouri, or Montana and have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, it’s crucial to understand how new mesothelioma payout laws, such as Georgia Senate Bill 68, Missouri House Bill 68, and Montana House Bill 303, could impact your legal rights. These laws can significantly alter your ability to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and the pain and suffering caused by asbestos exposure. Consulting with an experienced asbestos lawyer will give you a clearer picture of how these changes might affect your case and help you navigate the complex legal landscape.

For residents of Georgia, it’s especially important to exercise caution, as Senate Bill 68 places new restrictions on the legal process. In Missouri, the shorter timelines imposed by House Bill 68 require prompt action, while in Montana, House Bill 303 could introduce additional obstacles for those affected by the Libby disaster, as responsibility for asbestos-related injuries may be shifted to bankrupt parties. The Lung Cancer Center is here to help guide you through the process.

Our team of patient advocates, legal professionals, and vast treatment network are constantly staying up to date with the latest legal changes to ensure you have the most current information. Contact us today for a free case evaluation and take the first step toward understanding your legal options. We’re committed to helping you secure the justice and financial support you deserve.