More Advice for Asbestos Sufferers

SUFFERERS of asbestos-related illnesses are now being offered personalised welfare advice. Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team has employed an advisor to visit patients and their families to help them claim the financial support to which they are entitled. The project has been funded for three years by a £150,000 grant from Macmillan Cancer Support. With this money, the team has been able to expand and welfare adviser Natalie Woodward will be visiting sufferers in Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire and Burton, as well as Derbyshire.Steve Gillingham, of Allenton, who was diagnosed with the fatal asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in July, said: "I remember after my diagnosis coming home with my wife Sue and just sitting in silence. "We were shell-shocked and certainly not in the right frame of mind to have to seek the right benefits to make sure we'd be financially OK. "The 51-year-old, of Grosvenor Street, added: "I just didn't know where to start. It was all so overwhelming – my brain wasn't processing anything. And that's where Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team came in. "They were truly amazing. If it wasn't for them we would be lost. They knew exactly what to say and exactly what to do."Derbyshire is considered a hotspot for cases of mesothelioma because of its history of heavy engineering. At least 300 people in the county have died from it in the past 30 years.Yesterday, an event held to mark Derbyshire Support Team's expansion was attended by cancer specialists, solicitors, union representatives and mesothelioma sufferers. Speaking at the launch, held in Nottingham, Joanne Carlin, co-ordinator of the team, said compensation and financial support can make victims' lives easier.She said: "Natalie will be able to offer a full range of benefits advice to these people and their families. The advice we were offering before was far more limited. "Although the compensation in no way makes up for life being cut short, people are grateful for the support. Many of the people we've helped have spent the money on holidays with their family or it has made sure their loved ones are financially secure."Richard Morgan, a Derby representative of GMB union, said the Government should be investing more money into raising awareness about asbestos.He said: "We need to get the message out there. Asbestos still occurs and ignorance is rife."Sarah Avery, lung cancer specialist nurse at advice group Mesothelioma UK, called the disease "a devastating diagnosis". She said that it was the 16th most common cause of death from cancer. For advice and support, call the support team on 01623 748161.

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Mesothelioma Lawsuit Verdict Creates Controversy

After much deliberation, the mesothelioma lawsuit filed by John Koonce has finally come to an end. He originally filed the lawsuit against John Crane Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies, but Garlock has recently been excused from the $4.39 million dollar verdict by the jury.

John Koonce, a former shipyard worker for Norfolk Shipbuilding and Drydock Corp., originally contracted the asbestos-related disease in April 2006. His doctors and mesothelioma lawyers believe the asbestos exposure he experienced came from working in boiler rooms on Liberty ships being repaired between 1968 and 1971.

John Crane Inc., who is now responsible for all of the $4.39 million, has asked Circuit Court Judge David F. Pugh to set aside the results of the case. They believe the jury was wrong to place all the blame on one company when Koonce also used products containing asbestos from another company.

In previous cases involving the two companies, both were assigned separate damages to pay. John Crane Inc. and Garlock Sealing Technologies specialized in manufacturing asbestos-laden parts, including gaskets and packing material.

John Crane’s attorney said, “The jury’s utter disregard of the evidence regarding Mr. Koonce’s exposure to Garlock products resulted in John Crane being apportioned 100 percent fault and being left to bear the entire $4.39 million verdict alone.”

John Crane is asking for a new trial because the jury’s verdict went “against the evidence.” They also stated judge Pugh should reapportion the verdict between the two companies.

In regards to the apportionment of the verdict, Koonce’s attorney said, “The jury made a legitimate finding that the blame for Koonce’s malignant mesothelioma cannot be sliced between the defendants. It’s a finding that the jury was entitled to make.”

Koonce’s attorney plans to file a response to the motion of a new trial as soon as he can, but also wishes to take some time to rest before tackling the case again.

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Mesothelioma Cancer Minute

Asbestos is a heat-resistant mineral common in manufacturing that’s been linked to cases of mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the protective linings of the lungs and heart.

Fort Worth, TX (WiredPRNews.com)—Asbestos is a naturally-occurring mineral that is highly resistant to friction, acid and heat and is almost indestructible.

Light and durable, the fire-resistant mineral has been commonly used for residential home insulation, brake pad linings, paints, adhesives, roofing materials and other products.

According to a September 16, 2008 article that appeared on the website Transworldnews.com, asbestos is invisible to the unaided eye but appears as long, sliver-shaped fibers when placed under microscopic magnification. However, when asbestos is released into the air and it’s inhaled or ingested, malignant mesothelioma can result decades later.

Mesothelioma is a cancer that attacks the protective lining organs in the chest cavity. Pleural mesothelioma, the most common form of the disease, attacks the lungs. Often times patients complain of a constant chest pain and difficulty breathing.

Peritoneal mesothelioma affects the abdominal lining and is much less common. The rarest form of the cancerous disease is pericardial mesothelioma, which afflicts the lining of the heart.

Most cases are diagnosed in patients who have worked in industries where asbestos is commonly used and it usually stays latent in the body for 15 to 20 years, according to the Transworldnews.com article.

According to the article, an English physician made the first diagnosis of mesothelioma in 1906. Today, up to 3,000 new cases are diagnosed each year and up to 4,000 people die annually because of mesothelioma-related cancers, according to the transworld.com article.

National Meso Awareness Day is September 26.

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Cumbrian Car Garage Pay-out After Mechanic's Death

By Chris Story

The family of a Carlisle man who died of asbestos-related cancer has won a cash payout from the former garage they blamed for his illness.
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Anthony Earl: ‘No amount of compensation can replace our loss’Relatives of Robert Earl have secured an out of court settlement against County Garage, where he worked as a mechanic’s labourer in 1969.

It was revealed that the undisclosed sum was agreed despite the company making no admission of liability.

And Mr Earl’s family said no amount of money would bring the loving father and grandfather
back.

They had been determined to prove that he was exposed to the asbestos which triggered his illness during his six to eight months working for the garage.

During this time they argued he had been exposed to asbestos brake linings which he had used to replace old worn brake linings in the company’s commercial vehicles.

Their argument was backed by another former County Garage colleague, who came forward following a witness appeal in the local media.

Mr Earl, of Belle Vue, died in November 2005 – 10 months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He was 64.

He had been nursed throughout his illness by wife Avril, who pursued the claim against his former employers supported by her family.

They were represented by Rodger Maddocks, of Newcastle-based law firm Irwin Mitchell.
Mr Earl’s son, Anthony, said: “The last few years have been very difficult for my family.
“No amount of compensation can replace what we have lost, but we hope we can now move forward.

"We would like to thank Irwin Mitchell for its hard work in pursuing the claim against the company despite the difficulties faced and thank those who were able to give us information about County Garage and the use of asbestos in the workshop, which helped us secure justice for my dad.”

Mr Maddocks, an industrial disease specialist, said the information provided by Mr Earl’s former colleagues was crucial in the case.

He added: “The company did not accept that Mr Earl would have been exposed to dangerous asbestos fibres during the course of his employment with them.

“The information Mr Earl’s former colleagues were able to provide assisted us in establishing what was done in the workshop and how much contact Mr Earl would have had with new and old asbestos brake linings.

“This information was used by our expert to confirm that Mr Earl would have been exposed to asbestos brake linings, which contained dangerous asbestos fibres.”

In 2006 former north east Cumbria coroner David Osborne ruled that Mr Earl died of mesothelioma and was the victim on an industrial disease.

It was claimed at his inquest that neither Mr Earl nor his colleagues were provided with protective overalls or breathing masks.

Mr Earl worked for County Garage while it was based at Hardwicke Circus.

The firm, now at Kingstown, no longer exists as it was and is part of the GK Group.
A GK Group spokesman yesterday said the firm was unable to comment.

But, following Mr Earl’s death, County Garage said they sympathised with his family, but that their practices would have been no different to others in the industry at that time.

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Ohio Nurse Contracts Mesothelioma Through Second-hand Exposure, Suit Claims

By Kelly Holleran

An Ohio woman recently diagnosed with mesothelioma filed an asbestos suit against 13 defendant corporations claiming the disease was wrongfully caused.

Kathy Castle claims she was diagnosed with the disease May 19, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Castle says she worked from 1970 until 2008 as a nurse's aide, home nurse, secretary, clerical worker and clerk at various locations, according to the lawsuit.

She claims she contracted mesothelioma through second-hand exposure to asbestos fibers her family members would carry home on their clothes.

Kim Fleming, one family member, worked from 1977 until 1981 as a construction worker and mason assistant at various locations, according to the complaint.

Another family member, Donald Young, worked from 1972 until 1977 as plastic manufacturing plant worker at various locations, the suit states.

Castle states her exposure was foreseeable and should have been anticipated by the defendants, according to the lawsuit.

She claims her disease was caused after she was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers.

Castle alleges the asbestos-related disease has disabled and disfigured her and has and will continue to compel her to expend and become liable for large sums of money for hospital, medical, and other health and services necessary for the treatment of the disease. Castle also has and will continue to experience great physical pain and mental anguish as a result of the disease, he claims in the lawsuit.

Mesothelioma hindered and prevented Castle from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

As a result, she lost large sums of money, she claims.

In the two-count lawsuit, Castle seeks sums in excess of $50,000 and compensatory damages in excess of $50,000.

She also seeks punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants for their misconduct and to deter similarly situated parties from committing like acts of misconduct in the future.

She is represented by Robert Phillips and Perry J. Browder of Simmonscooper LLC in East Alton.

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Missouri Woman Sues 88 for Husband's Mesothelioma Death

By Kelly Holleran

A Missouri woman has filed an asbestos suit on behalf of her recently deceased husband against 88 defendant corporations, claiming the mesothelioma with which he was diagnosed was wrongfully caused.

Dawn Koch claims Stephen Koch was diagnosed with the disease June 13, 2007, and died Aug. 7, 2007, according to a lawsuit filed Sept. 15 in Madison County Circuit Court.

Dawn says her husband worked from 1982 until 1984 as a laborer at various locations throughout Illinois and Missouri, according to the lawsuit.

Dawn states Stephen's exposure was foreseeable and should have been anticipated by the defendants, according to the lawsuit.

She claims his disease was caused after he was exposed to and inhaled, ingested or otherwise absorbed asbestos fibers.

Dawn alleges the asbestos-related disease caused the couple to incur substantial medical costs. Stephen also experienced great physical pain and mental anguish as a result of the disease, Dawn claims in the lawsuit.

Mesothelioma hindered and prevented Stephen from pursuing his normal course of employment, according to the suit.

As a result, he lost large sums of money, Dawn claims.

Because of Stephen's death, his family has been deprived of his support and has lost his society, the suit states.

His family spent substantial amounts on funeral and burial costs, according to the complaint.
In the seven-count lawsuit, Dawn seeks sums in excess of $200,000 and compensatory damages in excess of $150,000.

She also seeks punitive damages in an amount sufficient to punish the defendants for their misconduct and to deter similarly situated parties from committing like acts of misconduct in the future.

She is represented by Nicholas J. Angelides of Simmonscooper LLC in East Alton

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Asbestos mesothelioma awareness

Hurricane Ike has torn away peoples homes and ripped open many sensitive parts of buildings and houses that are laden with asbestos resulting in toxic pollution especially in buildings and homes constructed before 1980s. The places that are likely to have asbestos are roof tiles, dry walls, attic insulations, floor tiles etc. Residents returning to their homes should be extra cautious about not being interactive with asbestos as it and its particles can damage their health and lead to mesothelioma cancer.

During cleaning and repair work, chances are that home owners might inhale asbestos dust and particles that might have gotten airborne. The asbestos dust and particles can effect the lungs and lining of heart and cause mesothelioma cancer, the deadliest and rarest form of cancer that is practically incurable. Care should also be taken by the returning residents as to not to clean or drink stagnant water as asbestos dust might also have settled in the water as well.

For the protection of the health of returning residents, the Environmental Protection Agency has set certain guidelines that should be followed in order to safeguard ones health.

1. This is not a ‘do it yourself mission’. It is dangerous as people can risk their lives and the lives on their loved ones while not practicing caution around asbestos polluted environment. Professionals help should be called for and once the area is clean from asbestos contamination repairing work should be done.

2. If residents decide to work out the way through asbestos themselves, they should wear protective masks that cover their nose and mouth so as not to inhale airborne asbestos dust and particles.

3. Do not get rid of asbestos by throwing away waste cartons or material. Extra care should be taken as asbestos containing material could contaminate the surroundings. Hiring a certified professional for removal of damaged asbestos items is advised. If anyone violates the guidelines set for removal and disposal of asbestos he / she might face huge penalties or imprisonment.

4. Any asbestos contamination must be reported to the authorities immediately.
Mesothelioma or asbestos cancer is a life taking disease. Working with and around asbestos can be dangerous to ones health. Contacting a mesothelioma cancer lawyer is essential for anyone who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer and seek guidance for claiming compensation for the injury inflicted unwillingly to ones health.


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=> Very helpful!

How to Select a Mesothelioma Attorney in New York

9/11 rescue volunteers have already contracted asbestos exposure related diseases, including mesothelioma, leukemia, and other forms of cancer। An estimated 70% of the 40,000 first responders have acquired illnesses. It is estimated another 300,000 New Yorkers will become seriously ill.

1। Find an experienced attorney।
Make sure you find an attorney who specializes in mesothelioma। A seasoned attorney who understands the various laws in New York will significantly affect the outcome of your claim.

2। Find an attorney who will offer you a free consultation.
A good law firm will give you a chance to sit down and give them the details of your case before you hire them।

3. Evaluate the attorney/client relationship up front
You need to be comfortable with your attorney। A good attorney will guide you and be sympathetic to your case.

4. Research the Law Firm
Does the law firm the attorney works for have a good reputation? Have you talked to anyone that has hired them before? Do they specialize in mesothelioma?

Seven years ago, citizens of New York City and many other places traveled from their homes to assist in the 9/11 cleanup operations। Their valiant efforts brought comfort and renewed faith to New Yorkers and Americans, in the presence, of the worst terrorism attack in our country’s history. One of those volunteers, Gregory Quibell, who had a large impact, on the events of September 11, 2001, passed away on September 3, 2008.
Quibell, a 54-year-old, who devoted a total 242 hours at Ground Zero, worked night and day transporting firefighters to and from the World Trade Center। Unfortunately, Quibell did not realize the asbestos fibers and other air toxins surrounding him were contaminating his lungs, resulting in leukemia and pulmonary fibrosis.

Congress, recently opposed legislation for additional healthcare funding for ailing 9/11 workers. It is important the 9/11 Health and Compensation Act is passed. This act will help to provide every person exposed to toxins from 9/11 has a right to be medically monitored.
Citizens in New York and the surrounding areas, during and after the 9/11 attacks, were greatly affected by the contaminated air. Knowing how to selecting a law firm specializing in Mesothelioma, an asbestos related disease, is important to our citizens.

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7-Year Mesothelioma Survivor Publishes Book

Rhio O’Conner, a 7-year survivor of mesothelioma cancer, has written a book entitled “They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story.” The book is published by Cancer Monthly.

O’Conner was diagnosed with pleural mesothelioma in 2001, and was given less than one year to live. Discouraged by his doctor’s advice to take a final vacation with his wife and then prepare to live his last months at home with Hospice care, O’Conner instead came up with his own aggressive treatment plan, which included taking over 100 supplements each day and meditating.

O’Conners unique message is that there are “other” ways to overcome cancer than just relying on the traditional treatment methods, such as chemotherapy or surgery.

“They Said Months, I Chose Years: A Mesothelioma Survivor’s Story” can be purchased on Amazon.com.Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer in which malignant (cancerous) cells are found in the mesothelium, a protective sac that covers most of the body’s internal organs. Most people who develop mesothelioma have worked on jobs where they inhaled asbestos particles.


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=> It is very beautiful to see sick people inspiring other sick people. Try to get a copy of his book.
- Jan MD