Libby’s Asbestos Clinic Closure Sends Shockwaves Through Community

News Summary

The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) in Libby, Montana, has closed after 25 years due to a $3.1 million judgment against it. Allegations of fraud by BNSF Railway prompted this legal action, impacting vital health screenings for locals suffering from asbestos-related diseases. While the community mourns the loss of essential services, CARD’s executive director hopes to reopen after navigating bankruptcy issues and securing federal support.

Closure of Libby’s Asbestos Clinic Hits Community Hard

In a shocking turn of events, the Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) clinic, a pivotal facility serving the residents of Libby, Montana, has shut its doors after an impressive 25 years. This closure is the result of a writ of execution ordered by the Lincoln County Sheriff’s Office, demanding that CARD cough up a staggering $3.1 million to settle a judgment linked to a lawsuit filed by BNSF Railway.

Legal Turmoil Leads to Intervention

The writ of execution represents a significant step in legal enforcement, instructing law enforcement to seize CARD’s property to satisfy legal debts. The conflict arose from an assertion by BNSF Railway, a subsidiary of Warren Buffet’s vast empire, claiming that CARD had falsely diagnosed numerous individuals to qualify them for benefits—a serious allegation that took a toll on the clinic’s reputation. In a judgment handed down in 2023, a jury sided with BNSF, concluding that CARD had indeed committed fraud by misclassifying patients, further complicating its operational future.

Local leaders, healthcare advocates, and residents are now left grappling with the fallout of this closure. They argue that CARD is not just a clinic but a cornerstone of the community, crucial for the health and well-being of individuals grappling with the long-term effects of asbestos exposure.

Impact on Health Screenings and Community Wellbeing

The abrupt shuttering of the clinic has sparked fears among local officials regarding decreased access to essential health screenings for mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. The local community has experienced a significant number of deaths and serious illnesses attributed to asbestos exposure, with over 3,000 fatalities reported since the contamination was discovered. CARD has been vital for residents, providing necessary screenings, treatment options, and ongoing support to individuals affected by asbestos-related conditions.

In a bid to recover from the financial blow, CARD’s executive director has pledged to strive for a reopening as soon as possible, assuring stakeholders that this closure is merely “unexpected” and “temporary”. The clinic has even filed for bankruptcy in August 2023 to navigate its legal troubles, hoping to maintain operations during the appeals process.

A Strong Defense in Card’s Favor

In a noteworthy development, Assistant U.S. Attorneys have intervened, requesting that the Lincoln County District Court annul the execution order against CARD. Backed by the federal government, the U.S. Attorney’s office in Montana contends that BNSF’s claims for monetary compensation are illegal, rooted in the fact that CARD’s operations are supported by federal funding. This raises complex legal questions about the intersection of federal support and state-level judgments.

Moreover, past controversies involving BNSF Railway reveal a troubling history with asbestos. The railway has faced numerous lawsuits linked to contamination within Libby, and even in 2024, a federal jury found them liable for contributing to fatalities in the area due to asbestos exposure. This ongoing conflict only adds layers of tension surrounding the current situation with CARD.

Hope on the Horizon With Federal Support

Despite the challenges, CARD was recently the recipient of a $3 million federal grant aimed to ensure continued operations through at least 2029. This funding is critical, as CARD has been a lifeline for more than 3,400 individuals diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases and has secured over $20 million through federal grants over the years.

As CARD faces significant legal hurdles, local community leaders are rallying around the clinic in hopes of restoring its services. They argue that without CARD, access to early detection and treatment options for those suffering from asbestos-related illnesses is jeopardized, further compounding the public health crisis in Libby. The community remains steadfast in its belief that the struggles of CARD are far from over, and the ultimate goal remains to keep this essential health resource operational for years to come.