Representatives from companies such as Chubb & Son Inc., Liberty Mutual Insurance Co., and the Zurich Insurance Co. met on November 10, 1976 in New York City at the offices of the American Insurance Association to discuss lawsuits including those for Diethylstilbestrol (DES) and asbestosis. The minutes of the meeting state in part that:
"Asbestosis produces no early recognizable symptoms. Microscopic asbestos fibers are inhaled into the tiny air passages of the lungs, forming small knots of fibrous tissue, after long exposure. As the tissue thickens in the lungs, sever shortness of breath may develop, along with infection, emphysema, and other ailments, including the type of cancer known as mesothelioma."
The insurance representatives discussed the asbestos lawsuit of Clarence Borel against Fibreboard and other abestos manufacturers. The lawsuit was filed in the late 1960s. Mr. Borel was an insulator who contracted asbestosis and mesothelioma. A jury in Beaumont, Texas returned a verdict for Mr. Borel against the asbestos manufacturers, and the award was upheld by the United States Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals in 1973.
The Enterprise Liabilty discussion group would meet again on April 21, 1977.
