The Closure of CARD and Its Impact on Asbestos Victims in Libby, Montana

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News Summary

The closure of the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana raises serious health concerns for asbestos victims amidst legal battles with BNSF.

The Closure of CARD and Its Impact on Asbestos Victims in Libby, Montana

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD), a significant health resource for asbestos exposure victims in Libby, Montana, has been closed by authorities after a court order to seize its assets. This shocking development was executed by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, catching the small community of Libby off guard.

Libby, a quaint town housing approximately 3,000 residents, has been grappling with the dire consequences of asbestos exposure for decades, thanks to a local mine that notoriously produced asbestos dust. The health crises resulting from this exposure have afflicted not just Libby, but also the surrounding communities. For over 20 years, CARD has played a pivotal role in screening, monitoring, and treating individuals affected by this deadly substance.

BNSF’s Role in the Asbestos Crisis

In recent legal developments, the Burlington Northern Santa Fe (BNSF) railroad company has been under fire for its role in exacerbating the hazardous conditions in Libby. Evidence has shown that BNSF transported contaminated materials from the local mine, contributing significantly to the pollution in the area. As a consequence of their actions, the company faces multiple lawsuits from asbestos victims who allege they have suffered severe health consequences from exposure.

In a controversial lawsuit filed in 2023, BNSF accused CARD of fraudulently diagnosing a number of patients as eligible for critical government benefits, despite claims they were not genuinely suffering from asbestos-related illnesses. This aggressive legal move challenged over 2,000 diagnoses made by CARD. A court ruling found that 337 of these diagnosed cases were, in fact, false, igniting further conflict between community advocates and corporate interests.

Financial Turmoil and Its Ramifications

The fallout from the lawsuit culminated in a ruling that requires CARD to repay BNSF $3.1 million. This judgment follows a $6 million verdict against the clinic, which covered attorney fees, court costs, and interest. The impact of this ruling has not only ignited broader discussions on corporate responsibility but also raised alarms regarding the healthcare service that CARD provides to vulnerable populations suffering from asbestos exposure.

BNSF, through its spokesperson, indicated that the process for recovering the owed amount would be strictly determined by legal stipulations. Meanwhile, CARD’s executive director has voiced concerns about the public health ramifications of the clinic’s closure. Without the availability of vital asbestos screening and treatment services, the fear is that many residents may now find themselves at greater risk.

The Fight for Recovery

Following the fraud ruling, CARD declared bankruptcy but continued its operations without repaying the owed funds, based on a previous settlement with the federal government—a settlement that allegedly involved BNSF as well. CARD’s bankruptcy attorney claimed that BNSF’s attempts to collect on the judgment might contravene the terms of the approved bankruptcy settlement. However, BNSF has refrained from commenting on this claim, adding another layer of complexity to an already convoluted situation.

A Community at Risk

The closure of CARD raises pressing concerns regarding the future of asbestos screening in Libby. Many residents rely on the clinic for health monitoring and essential treatment, and with its abrupt shutdown, these vital services are now in jeopardy. Public health advocates fear that without CARD, countless individuals may remain unaware of their exposure and the dangers posed by asbestos-related diseases.

The community voices a resounding call for the clinic to reopen as soon as possible, reflecting the desperation of those affected. The struggle for justice and adequate healthcare continues for the people of Libby, and the outcome of ongoing legal proceedings will likely determine their fate in the battle against asbestos-related health issues.