H.R. 1114 · 108th Congress
Asbestos Compensation Act of 2003
- Stage
- In committee
- Sponsor
- Mark Kirk
- Introduced
- 2003-03-06
- Latest action
- 2003-06-17 · Sponsor introductory remarks on measure.
Summary
Asbestos Compensation Act of 2003 - Establishes in the Department of Justice the Office of Asbestos Compensation (OAC) with exclusive jurisdiction over proceedings to determine if a claimant is entitled to compensation for an asbestos claim and the amount of such compensation. Excludes any claim brought under any workers' compensation law or veterans' benefits program.Establishes within OAC: (1) an Asbestos Compensation Fund to make payments to claimants under this Act; and (2) an Office of Administrative Law Judges for expedited administrative adjudication of asbestos claims..Requires the OAC to implement a legal assistance program to provide legal representation to claimants.Prescribes guidelines governing: (1) medical eligibility; (2) damages; (3) come back rights; (4) class actions; (5) core claims; (6) eligible medical categories; (7) fiscal and financial management of the Asbestos Compensation Fund; and (8) transitional civil actions.