CCL’s Robert Peck chaired two days of American Bar Association hearings on asbestos litigation June 5 and 6 in Washington, D.C. The Task Force on Asbestos Litigation and Bankruptcy, chaired by Peck, heard from academic witnesses, economists, proponents and opponents of legislative changes, and attorneys from both sides of the litigation.  Asbestos litigation is considered the longest-running mass tort in history.  Originally considered a “miracle material” because of its durability and flame-retardant qualities, inhalation of asbestos fibers causes serious illnesses and death after a long latency period.  The five-member task force is charged with examining issues in the litigation and the relationship between claims made against bankruptcy trusts and tort claims made against solvent defendants.  The task force plans to hold a second set of hearings in Los Angeles in October.