Even though numbers are often thrown around, accurate asbestos-related claim statistics are not always easy to obtain. One solution for curious minds has been to attend the annual National Asbestos Litigation Conference that takes place each fall, where discussion revolves around settlement strategies and types of exposure.

Additionally, New Jersey-based PACE Claims Services, conference sponsor, has carefully researched trends associated with asbestos-related claims and taken a look at where things may be headed. Within the last 5 years, PACE notes that the filing of asbestos-related claims has been approaching a plateau. Prior to that, it was all about the volume of claims, because more claims meant more money.

“There were huge increases in filings from screenings and other efforts that would identify a large number of people,” explained PACE Managing Director James Tanella.“Screenings would be set up at shipyards and other locations where workers may have had exposure.”