Since the discovery of asbestos-related illnesses and fatalities, various individuals and groups have launched lawsuits against the responsible parties. One of the earliest asbestos suit dates to 1929. In general, however, most litigation against asbestos is from the 1980s. The Libby, Montana asbestos suit in 2005 was 1 of the higher profile cases. Claims are made to gain compensation for the suffering created by exposure to asbestos. An asbestos suit can be instigated as a group action or by an individual. These are civil suits based on tort law of damages. In a lawsuit, damages may be awarded for a legal wrong. The types vary in accordance with the depth, characteristic and extent of the harm perpetrated by the defendant. Punitive damages may be awarded as a punishment and deterrent to such actionable behavior. The amount an individual may receive in an asbestos suit will vary. State legislation may cap such things as punitive damage.