Business Group Targeting ‘Lawsuit Abuse’ in Illinois

A national business group has begun a campaign to shine a spotlight on what it calls “systemic lawsuit abuse” in the Illinois suburbs of St. Louis.

The U.S. Chamber Institute for Legal Reform unveiled its campaign on Dec. 9. It focuses on Madison County courts’ “loose standards” for allowing asbestos-liability action by non-residents.

The effort will include television, billboard and online ads and direct mail.

Chamber President Lisa Rickard also released a letter to Gov. Pat Quinn asking him to veto legislation adopted by the General Assembly last week.

It would give people suffering from illnesses related to asbestos exposure more time to file lawsuits against people and firms that constructed buildings using the fireproofing material. Asbestos was banned in the 1970s after it was linked to cancer.