Health Trusts May Join Tobacco Lawsuit

About 500,000 union members in the state of Washington have been given a green light to join a ground-breaking class-action lawsuit against tobacco companies. U.S. District Judge William Dwyer ruled that 60 private health and welfare trusts can unite in seeking reimbursement for costs incurred in treating smoking-related illnesses. The lawsuit was filed in May on behalf of two funds that pay for health-care and other benefits for union carpenters, masons, other blue-collar workers and their families. Employers and workers pay for the funds. Dwyer’s ruling means that another 60 funds in the state, which comprise half a million union members, can be included in the lawsuit. While Washington and some other states have filed lawsuits against tobacco companies seeking compensation for smoking-related Medicaid costs, Dwyer’s ruling was the first time any judge has granted class-action status to one of the lawsuits, said Michael Withey, an attorney for the plaintiffs. “It’s a real boost to health and welfare funds nationally,” Withey said.