ASBESTOS IN THE NEWS
Australia inaugurates "Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Day"

Australia designates December 5 as National Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Day

December 4, 2008 -- According to a recent study taken by the University of Western Australia, 13,000 Australians will perish from mesothelioma by the year 2020. Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos.

Homes and buildings built on the continent prior to 1980 often contain hidden asbestos insulation materials. The Asbestos Disease Foundation stated that the biggest asbestos risk today is renovating homes that once featured asbestos insulation.

Despite media attempts to educate the public, there is still a low level of public awareness to the dangers of asbestos in Australia. That is the primary reason why, tomorrow, December 5th, Australian officials will inaugurate “Mesothelioma and Asbestos Awareness Day.”

Taking place Friday morning at the Maritime Museum in Australia, the National Awareness Day is one of many related events planned by the Australian Council of Trade Unions (ACTU).

With no cure and limited treatment, mesothelioma is typically fatal within 12 months of diagnosis. The period between exposure and diagnosis can be between 20 and 50 years. Some of the common symptoms include: chronic cough, chest pain, presence of blood, weight loss, headaches and fatigue.

Time to seek justice and damages for medical bills

Despite the serious health problems linked to asbestos exposure, asbestos is still imported and used in the United States. According to the U.S. Geological Survey, the U.S. imported and used an estimated 1,820 tons of asbestos in 2007.

Government sources estimate that in the next decade more than 35,000 people nationwide will be diagnosed with the deadliest form of asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. This disease is most often the result of industrial workplace exposure to asbestos – and usually contracted through employers’ blatant disregard for the health and safety of their workers.

That’s why people diagnosed with mesothelioma and their family members have strong cases in court. Weitz & Luxenberg has protected the legal rights of workers for 25 years – longer than most law firms in the nation. And in that time its attorneys have won several billion dollars in verdicts and settlements for its clients.

If you have a mesothelioma injury, please complete the form on this page for a free evaluation of your legal rights. There is no cost to you until we win a settlement or a verdict.