CLEVELAND -- In an attempt to clear the overflowing docket in Cuyahoga County's asbestos court, the presiding judge said the court will only hear the claims of those who have been sickened by the substance.
The ruling from Judge Harry Hanna sets aside more than 80 percent of the 41,000 pending claims in one of the nation's largest asbestos courts.
Critics said the asbestos docket is full of people who were exposed to asbestos but weren't hurt by it.
At least one plaintiff's lawyer, Michael Kelley, has asked the judge to reconsider. Kelley's firm represents 32,000 asbestos clients in the court.
Judge Hannah said if some of the people whose cases have been shelved end up developing asbestos-related illness, they can have their claims reinstated.
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