An important clinic in Libby, Montana, has been closed by authorities after a court ordered the seizure of its assets. The Center for Asbestos Related Disease (CARD) has been a vital resource for many in the area, where residents have suffered from health issues linked to asbestos dust from a nearby mine. The closure came on Wednesday, following a legal battle involving the railroad company BNSF, which has been implicated in the pollution affecting Libby.
Libby, a small town of about 3,000 people, has a long history of asbestos exposure due to mining activities that lasted for decades. CARD has played a crucial role in providing health screenings and treatment for those affected by asbestos-related diseases. Unfortunately, the clinic has now been forced to shut down operations, which could leave many residents without necessary health services.
BNSF, the Texas-based railroad, has been involved in numerous lawsuits related to the asbestos crisis in Libby. The company was found to have contributed to the pollution by transporting contaminated materials through the town. In a recent lawsuit, BNSF accused CARD of fraud, claiming that the clinic improperly classified some patients as eligible for government benefits when they were not actually sick. The court ruled that out of over 2,000 diagnoses, 337 were false, leading to a judgment against the clinic.
As a result, BNSF is seeking to collect a judgment of $3.1 million from CARD to cover damages, attorney fees, and other costs. This situation has raised concerns about the impact on public health in Libby. Tracy McNew, the executive director of CARD, expressed worry that fewer people will be screened for asbestos-related health problems due to the clinic’s closure. She emphasized the clinic’s commitment to its patients and the community, stating they will fight to reopen as soon as possible.
CARD has been providing essential services for over 20 years, but the recent court ruling forced it into bankruptcy. Although the clinic continued operations under a bankruptcy settlement, the court’s decision to allow BNSF to pursue its claims has complicated matters. CARD’s bankruptcy attorney argues that BNSF’s actions violate the settlement approved by a federal court.
The future of the clinic remains uncertain, and the community is left grappling with the loss of a critical health resource. As the situation develops, many in Libby are hoping for a resolution that will allow CARD to reopen and continue serving those affected by asbestos exposure.