Miles for Mesothelioma 5K was a Success
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Support on February 16, 2010
My team and I just returned from the Miles for Meso 5K Run/Walk in Boca Raton, Florida. The event was organized by a local peritoneal mesothelioma survivor who also ran the 5K. Almost 400 runners and walkers participated in this fund raising event. The Mesothelioma Resource Center (Sokolove Law, LLC) was one of the sponsors of the event. Almost $15,000 will be donated to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation which provides support and funds research for mesothelioma victims. Not only were funds raised to support this important cause, but we were also able to increase awareness about mesothelioma and the dangers of asbestos.
Myself and five colleagues each took part in our own ways. Three members of our team ran in the race and one came in third in his age group. Two of us passed out water for the runners and walkers. And one of my colleagues captured everything in photos. We all handed out gift bags with information about mesothelioma, the dangers of asbestos and our initiative to ban asbestos in the U.S. We spoke with victims, families, advocates and anyone who wanted to learn more. It was an amazing event and a good reminder of why we do our work everyday.
I’ve included a couple of photos of the team during the event and I’ll be posting a couple of guest blogs this week from my colleagues. We are looking forward to participating in more events in the future.
Planned Implosion in FL May Have Asbestos Risks
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Exposure on February 12, 2010
Tomorrow I’m getting on a plane to attend the Miles for Meso 5K in Boca Raton. All the proceeds from this race/walk will be donated to the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation to support research and treatment options for people suffering from this asbestos-related disease. While we are out supporting this important cause something quite opposite is being planning close by.
Officials in West Palm Beach are planning an implosion of a 30 story building that may contain asbestos for the same day. This will be the third largest implosion to take place in the United States. Residents close to the 1515 S. Flagler Drive Tower which is scheduled for “controlled collapse” are concerned. Experts and city officials claim this is the safest way to take the building down. They report imploding the building with explosives has less risks than traditional demolition with a wrecking ball. There is some debate about the safety due to past problems with other implosions.
There is also a concern about possible asbestos exposure. Originally the building was said to contain asbestos. A later test result showed levels of asbestos were not high enough to stop the plans for imploding the building. Experts are saying the dust should fall straight down because it will be thick and heavy. Critics would say any asbestos exposure is a risk. It is known that asbestos fibers released into the air can cause future health issues including mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.
Officials reports they are taking all necessary precautions and putting safeguards in place to protect the public. Let’s hope that all goes smoothly. And that our race gets as much attention as this story.
Read the story at Demolition team aims for controlled collapse of 1515 Tower
Claims declined in a Hardie and CSR Asbestos Case
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Legal on February 11, 2010
James Hardie and CSR, the two main suppliers of asbestos products during the 1960’s and 1970’s in Australia, were accused of conspiring to influence regulators around asbestos use. They are also being accused of deliberately failing to mark their asbestos containing products, which would make it harder to determine which company was liable for any future injury or disease caused by the products.
Both companies are heading into the trial of Robert Berengo who is claiming damages due to exposure to their products in the early 1970’s. Mr. Berengo is dying from mesothelioma, a fatal disease almost always caused by asbestos exposure. He claims he was exposed to Hardie and CSR asbestos products while going to jobs with his father during his childhood. The allegations could have opened new opportunities for victims who have a difficult time proving which company’s products they have been exposed to and therefore which company should be held responsible for compensation.
The argument was heard in the Victorian Supreme Court and was declined. Judge Terry Forrest stated the proposed amendments were not sufficient to be approved. He did say future victims may be able to allege joint liability.
Read more at Hardie, CSR ‘colluded’, sufferer says and Judge denies late changes in asbestos case
CSR denied application due to asbestos liabilities
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Industry on February 10, 2010
CSR’s application to spin out its sugar division was denied by Federal Court Judge Margaret Stone based on future asbestos liabilities. CSR produced and sold products containing asbestos up until the 1970’s. Because exposure to asbestos can cause fatal diseases including mesotheliomaand lung cancer, CSR is responsible for providing compensation for victims of these diseases. CSR and the infamous James Hardie corporation share some joint liability asbestos-related claims. I wrote about the challenges of these joint claims back in October – Asbestos Claims Delayed in Australia and about how the James Hardie Asbestos Fund May Run Out.
CSR applied to separate it’s sugar division into a newly listed company called Sucrogen. This would leave a smaller CSR building products group which would be responsible for asbestos-related liabilities on its own. CSR claims it would not have the same problems with estimating future liabilities as the James Hardie fund. The company reports a thorough investigation of potential asbestos liability before making the proposed application.
The judges decision is based on the difficulty of forecasting these asbestos claims accurately and that CSR would not have access to Sucrogen’s assets if they ran out of funds for compensation. CSR still has options including appealing the decision, retaining or selling off the sugar division.
To read the full story: History was against CSR on asbestos
Asbestos Claim Debate Continues in U.K.
Posted by Mellissa@SokoloveLaw in Legislation on February 7, 2010
The debate about compensation for people suffering from pleural plaques continues in the U.K. Pleural plaques are a scarring of the lungs due to asbestos exposure. Victims of pleural plaques are at risk for developing fatal asbestos-related diseases including mesothelioma and lung cancer. The U.K. government has been reviewing a law that denies pleural plaque suffers compensation. The debate has been taking place since the Fall.
Rulings have already been made in Scotland and Ireland entitling pleural plaque sufferers to file a claim for compensation. England and Wales do not allow compensation at this time. Opponents to allowing compensation include insurance companies and government officials who fear a large increase in costs associated with asbestos related claims.
The new proposal does include a package to assist people suffering some asbestos-related diseases. Victims diagnosed with mesothelioma may have increased compensation. The government also states a research center for diseases linked to asbestos exposure would be created. And insurers would be required to set up funds for those dying of asbestos-related diseases that don’t have employers’ insurance.
To read more about both sides: Asbestos victims could lose out and Aviva, Zurich May Face ‘Spiral” of New Asbestos Claims in U.K.
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