Slater + Gordon | Raising Awareness for Asbestos Awareness Month
November is Asbestos Awareness Month, with 25 November to 1 December being Asbestos Awareness Week. In collaboration with Slater and Gordon, we share two case studies below, to shed light on the serious impact asbestos has on many lives across Australia.
Barry’s Story
Barry was 78 years of age when he sought legal advice regarding his compensation entitlements.
Barry had worked as a plumber on Commonwealth ships between 1970 and 1985. During his employment, he was exposed to asbestos when working in boiler rooms in which he disturbed asbestos insulation and lagging.
Sadly, Barry was diagnosed with lung cancer in 2022. When discussing his diagnosis with his General Practitioner, he was advised that he had no entitlement to bring a claim for compensation due to his 20-pack-year history of smoking, despite quitting in 1982.
Contrary to his General Practitioner’s advice, thankfully Barry made his own enquiries and sought legal advice.
Noting the medical evidence that shows that asbestos exposure, coupled with smoking, significantly multiplies the risk of developing lung cancer, Barry was able to obtain significant compensation for his injury.
Maree’s Story
It may be shocking to realise that even healthcare professionals - doctors, nurses, and allied health workers - can be exposed to asbestos in the course of their duties.
This is embodied in the story of Maree, who after experiencing intense chest and back pain, and many investigations, was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 68.
Maree’s journey into nursing began in the early 1970s at a Sydney hospital where her mother and aunts had also trained. The irony of her diagnosis lies in the exposure she faced during her training; hazardous asbestos dust and fibres were released from old, damaged and poorly maintained asbestos-lagged service pipes, while she navigated the hospital's basement corridors and tunnels as she cared for others as part of her daily nursing duties.
Key Take Away
November serves as an important opportunity to remind all Australians that asbestos exposure can affect anyone, regardless of age or occupation.
The Asbestos and Dust Diseases team at Slater and Gordon has represented many patients who have suffered from asbestos-related illnesses.
Given the long latency period associated with these diseases - typically ranging from 12 to 40 years and potentially even longer - it's essential that anyone who has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma or lung cancer, should seek legal advice to understand their rights and options.
Slater and Gordon are committed to raising awareness of the dangers of asbestos and by sharing stories like those of Bruce and Maree, we hope that this helps to highlight the ongoing dangers of asbestos that still exist today. Find out more about Slater and Gordon and meet the team supporting CNSA members here.
