Recently, KCIC posted their 2022 Mid-Year Asbestos Filings Update. This update is compiled using information collected through July 31st. This article illustrates some highlights from the update.
Number of Asbestos-Related Lawsuits Decrease While Mesothelioma Filings Increase
The number of asbestos-related lawsuits increased from 2020 (1,790) to 2021 (1,972). However, 2022 shows a decrease in the number of filings over the same respective time spans (1,914).
Mesothelioma and lung cancer filings continue to make up the majority of filings (86%). Notably, mesothelioma claims have increased (2.6%) while lung cancer claims have significantly decreased from 2021 (-16.6%). The other types of disease filings (other cancer, non-malignant, and unknown) all showed an increase of filings.
Significant Increases and Decreases in the Top Ten Jurisdictions
Madison County, Illinois continues to lead the country in filings, although the number of filings decreased from 2021 by 3%. The second jurisdiction, St. Clair County, Illinois, saw a significant decrease in filings since 2021 by 32.8%. New York County, New York saw a small increase of 11.2%. Notably, Wayne, Michigan saw the highest uptick in filed cases, totaling a 107.5% change from 2021. Rounding out the top five is Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, which showed an increase of 27.2%.
St. Louis, Missouri saw the second largest decrease in filings from 2021 (31.9%). Los Angeles County, California showed a significant rise in filings (87.9%). Middlesex County, New Jersey showed no change in filings. Both Cook County, Illinois and Kanawha, West Virginia showed double-digit decreases in filings from 2021.
Significant Increases and Decreases in the Top Ten Plaintiffs Firms
The Gori Law Firm continued to lead the country in most filings by law firm. However, the number of filings by the Gori Law Firm in 2022 (288) showed a 13.8 decrease since 2021 (334). The Weitz & Luxenberg firm maintained the second spot, showing a small increase in filings (4.3%). Moreover, the Simmons Hanly Conroy firm showed a 12% decrease in filings since 2021. Notably, the Maune Raichle Hartley French & Mudd firm leaped to the fourth-highest firm on the list following a 33% increase in cases. SWMW Law rounded out the top five while showing a 37.7% decrease in filings.
The Mazur and Kittel firm showed the highest uptick in filings with a 592.3% increase since 2021. The Cooney and Conway firm (5% decrease) just barely filed more lawsuits than Napoli Shkolnik (52.8% increase). Both the Goldberg, Prrsky & White (25%) and Flint Cooper (48.9%) firms experienced a decrease in filings.
The Asbestos Case Tracker will continue to monitor the significant trends in asbestos litigation nationwide.