Asbestos litigation: background

I'm happy to see that my initial post -- which doesn't really include any details of yet -- has already begun to spark debate in the comments. I have thoughts on the views expressed, but I'll begin with some background. This information might be old hat to those familiar with the asbestos mess, but it's essential for those with little knowledge. This summary largely follows the account from the introduction to our Trial Lawyers, Inc.: Asbestos report. Asbestos manufacturing in the United State