U.S. Supreme Court Refuses Shield for Pfizer Inc. on Asbestos Suits
Yesterday marked a momentous day for the United States Supreme Court. June 24, 2013 will forever be recognized as the day that the U.S. Supreme Court refused to shield Pfizer Inc. (PFE) from several asbestos suits connected to its subsidiary company, Quigley Co., a now-bankrupt company that ceased all production in 1992. The appeal that Pfizer issued to Supreme Court justices on a ruling which opened up claims related to Quigley with the New York-based drug maker was staunchly refused (to the benefit of victims nationwide).
With its refusal appealed, Pfizer – the largest drug maker in the world – will be unable to disconnect its ties to Quigley Co. (a corporation that manufactured products containing asbestos for the steel industry for about 30 years, between 1940 and 1970). Pfizer Inc. officially acquired Quigley in 1968, at which time the company was still in the habit of using asbestos as a common source of insulation in its products. Now, Pfizer representatives are claiming that the bankruptcy proceedings of Quigley, which were made more than a decade ago, are enough to prevent the still at-large Pfizer Inc. from any suits that might be filed against them in connection to the asbestos-related cases that have since emerged.
Pfizer’s claim that it played no role in the manufacture or sale of any Quigley products was not enough reason for the Supreme Court to accept the company’s appeal of the pending lawsuits that have been made against the drug maker. Instead, a federal appeals court based in New York gave permission for the continuance of such claims, and the Obama administration has also publicly urged the high court to reject the company’s appeal.
The recent rejection of Pfizer’s appeal could mean big results for many of the victims who were made to suffer after being unnecessarily exposed to dangerous amounts of asbestos years ago. If you are now suffering from mesothelioma or other health problems that are the result of your exposure to asbestos, then do not hesitate to contact Greenberg & Stein, P.C. today. A New York City personal injury attorney from our office can review the details of your illness and work toward building a case on your behalf. When you work with our legal team, a case against Pfizer or another related company might be able to be made in an effort to help you seek the compensation that you rightfully deserve.