The jury verdict represents a rare victory for companies fighting what they consider to be fraudulent asbestosis claims.

FORBES: Law Firm Hit With $429,000 Verdict Over Faked Asbestos Suits

"My research suggests something like 90% of the last 200, 000 to 300, 000 asbestosis claims that have been paid are bogus, " says Lester Brickman, a professor at Yeshiva University's law school.

FORBES: A Line in the Dust

As well as asbestosis, there lurks the fear of tobacco claims in America, Lloyd's biggest market.

ECONOMIST: Lloyd's of London