James Hardie Execs to Blame For False Asbestos Trust Info</h1> <article> <h1>James Hardie Execs to Blame For False Asbestos Trust Info</h1> <p>Fri, 11 May 2012 09:20:00 -0400</p> <p>A decision from the High Court of Australia has reversed a previous ruling and found that a group of non-executive directors at James Hardie Industries breached their duties when they approved statements about the company’s asbestos trust funding that turned out to be false. </p> <p>In 2001, James Hardie announced a restructuring of its finances that included the creation of two subsidiaries that would handle any asbestos lawsuits levied against the company. The Medical Research and Compensation Foundation was created so it could pay out any mesothelioma claims to victims of asbestos exposure that were connected with the company’s products. </p> <p>At the time, the company said that the foundation was “fully funded” to pay out all current and future claims. </p> <p>However, by 2009 the company reversed course when it announced that the foundation was short by $1.5 billion and could be unable to pay out claims by 2011, <a href="http://www.theaustralian.com.au/news/nation/hardie-ruling-reinforces-directors-obligations/story-e6frg6nf-1226346267912" target="_blank"><em>Bloomberg </em></a>reported. </p> <p>The High Court found that the non-executive directors at James Hardie had approved a draft of the announcement that promised the foundation would be “fully funded” and deemed them to be at fault for the misleading information, which was deliberately aimed at investors and the Australian Stock Exchange. </p> <p>According to The Australian, Asbestos Diseases Foundation of Australia President Barry Robson praised the High Court decision, and added that it brought “justice at last” to the families who had been harmed by James Hardie asbestos products. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffer from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos Lawsuit Allowed to Proceed in CA</h1> <p>Thu, 10 May 2012 09:02:00 -0400</p> <p>A ruling in a California appeals court may set an important precedent by allowing an asbestos lawsuit to proceed against a company that produced machines involved in the release of asbestos contained in an entirely different product. </p> <p>The appeals panel ruled to reverse a previous decision from a lower court that had ruled Hennessy Industries Inc. could not be sued for asbestos exposure caused by brake pads that contained the deadly fibers but were designed by another company. Hennessy instead built machines that only shaped the brake linings. </p> <p>While the original ruling, which applied to four potential lawsuits against Hennessy, based its judgment on strict interpretations of product liability law, the appeals court reversed the decision based on exceptions created by the California Supreme Court decision in regard to laws preventing a company from being held liable for products it did not create. </p> <p>Because all brake linings used during the time period in which the lawsuits are based were made with asbestos, the court found it reasonable to believe that Hennessy’s brake lining shaper could be held liable for any asbestos exposure that occurred. </p> <p>“Under the allegations of plaintiffs' complaints, which we must accept as true, Hennessy's 'product was intended to be used with another product for the very activity that created a hazardous situation,'” the court ruled, according to <a href="http://www.law360.com/" target="_blank"><em>Law360</em></a>. </p> <p>Asbestos and mesothelioma lawsuits can sometimes require very difficult and specific interpretations of the law. With this in mind, it’s important to get legal help that has years of experience when it comes to mesothelioma law. If you need help with an asbestos or mesothelioms lawsuit, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation. </p> </article> <article> <h1>USC Fined $175,000 for Asbestos Failings</h1> <p>Thu, 03 May 2012 17:19:00 -0400</p> <p>The University of South Carolina has paid $175,000 in state fines relating to asbestos-related offenses in the last four years, prompting the school to make some changes to its asbestos policies. </p> <p>The asbestos violations at the school occurred during construction and renovations that were occurring at three student apartment buildings, the building that houses the medical school, William-Brice Stadium, and a building at one of the university’s branch campuses. Records show that while the school promised on separate occasions to improve their management of asbestos products, they failed to actually do so. </p> <p>To make matters worse, a number of workers and students may have been exposed to asbestos as a result of the school’s inability to manage asbestos. </p> <p>“Without a doubt, the university should have the knowledge and capability of handling this properly,” said Brent Kynoch, managing director of the nonprofit Environmental Information Association in Washington, according to the <a href="http://www.heraldonline.com/2012/04/29/3932063/usc-fined-for-toxic-asbestos-problems.html#storylink=cpy#storylink=cpy" target="_blank"><em>Herald Online</em></a>. “The fact that they are not doing it is unexplainable, as far as I’m concerned. These are not new regulations. They’ve been on the books since the 1980s.” </p> <p>In the wake of the fines, and the public backlash it has faced for not properly protecting its students and workers from the mesothelioma-causing fiber, the school recently announced a new system to properly monitor any potentially hazardous sites that may contain asbestos products. </p> <p>Have you previously been exposed to asbestos at a school or college campus and now been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Pro-Asbestos Group in Canada Announces Closure</h1> <p>Wed, 02 May 2012 08:58:00 -0400</p> <p>Good news for those hoping for an eventual end of asbestos production in Canada, as a longtime pro-asbestos advocacy group has notified the Canadian government of plans to dissolve. </p> <p>The Chrysotile Institute was founded in 184 and touted itself as promoting the “adoption and application of appropriate prevention and control measures, regulations, standards, work practices and techniques for the safe use of chrysotile.” To many, the group served as a mouthpiece for the country’s asbestos mining industry. It has claimed that asbestos is indeed safe, so long as it is handled safely. </p> <p>The group is based in Quebec, the same province that contains the two remaining asbestos mines in Canada. While the existence of these mines has become a source of great tension and debate in recent years, the dissolving of The Chrysotile Institute could be seen by many as a victory for those who oppose Canadian asbestos production. </p> <p>"I see it as a real tipping point in the movement to get Canada out of the asbestos industry," said Winnipeg NDP MP Pat Martin – a longtime critic of Canadian asbestos production – according to the <a href="http://www.canada.com/health/asbestos+advocacy+group+shuts+doors/6537818/story.html#ixzz1tYqw9d9g" target="_blank"><em>Leader Post</em></a>. "It's just another demonstration of the death rattle of the asbestos industry in this country." </p> <p>Martin added that it was extra special that he heard of the institute’s dissolving on April 28, which was International Workers’ Memorial Day. </p> <p>"I've lost an awful lot of friends and colleagues to asbestos in my time as an asbestos miner and a carpenter in the building trades," he said. "It was very poignant for me to learn that (the institute was closing) on the very day of mourning for injured and fallen workers with the flags at half mast — it was very, very fitting." </p> <p>Have you been exposed to asbestos that has led to the development of mesothelioma? Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos Testing Underway at Beverly Hills School</h1> <p>Sun, 29 Apr 2012 18:17:00 -0400</p> <p>Another day, another story about asbestos products potentially showing up in a public school. </p> <p>Beverly Hills High School will be subjected to its first asbestos and lead survey since 2004 after the district’s Board of Education approved it at a recent meeting. </p> <p>One of the reasons that spurred the vote for the survey was a desire to begin construction on the school in order to renovate it. An Asbestos Hazard Emergency Response Act report must be produced as part of the construction approval process. </p> <p>“We’re still finding lead and asbestos at this site and you need to remove the lead and asbestos before you begin construction,” said Nelson Cayabyab, the school’s chief facilities officer, according to the <a href="http://www.bhcourier.com/article/Local/Local/Lead_and_Asbestos_Survey_Will_Be_Conducted_At_Beverly_Hills_High/87601" target="_blank"><em>Beverly Hills Courier</em></a>. </p> <p>News of the asbestos study in Beverly Hills comes the <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/news/2012/04/24/Asbestos-Concerns-At-NYC-School" target="_blank">same week</a> that parents of students who attend a public school in New York City have created a petition to delay construction on the school until the school year has ended. One of the main concerns mentioned in the petition was the potential presence of dangerous asbestos fibers in loose dust that has been seen all over the school and could be inhaled by students. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffers from mesothelioma, there may be legal options available to you. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim that could result in a substantial monetary settlement. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Construction Site Closed After Asbestos Discovery</h1> <p>Sat, 28 Apr 2012 17:01:00 -0400</p> <p>Construction work on a harborside site in Sydney, Austraila has been shut down by government officials amid fears that it may be releasing asbestos fibers into the air that may be putting nearby residents at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma.</p> <p>One-hundred-and-fifty workers who had been working on the Barangaroo site have been ordered off the site and will undergo health checkups to make sure they have not inhaled dangerous levels of asbestos, according to <em><a href="http://www.smh.com.au/environment/barangaroo-work-stops-over-asbestos-fears-20120410-1wmvo.html#ixzz1tDNUqo8k" target="_blank">The Sydney Morning Herald</a></em>.</p> <p>The reason for the sudden shutdown of work at the site came after government officials learned that site manager Boris Lend Lease had been concealing a “disturbing” history of asbestos on the site. Because none of the workers on the site were formally trained to handle asbestos products, the presence of any dangerous substances could have been mishandled and presented a danger to both the workers and the public.</p> <p>"People have been taking their families on outings over the Easter break, and potentially asbestos fibres have been blowing across the harbor," said Construction, Forestry, Mining, and Energy Union State Secretary Brian Parker.</p> <p>While this situation is unfolding in Australia, it is a reminder that it is possible that there may be an elevated risk of inhaling asbestos fibers and potentially developing mesothelioma later in life for those who find themselves living or working nearby a construction site. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffers from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about what it takes to pursue a mesothelioma claim.</p> <p style="BACKGROUND: white"> </p> </article> <article> <h1>Construction Held Up Due To Asbestos</h1> <p>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 16:35:00 -0400</p> <p>The demolition of a grocery store that was once a staple of the Palm Bay, FL neighborhood to make way for a community center has been delayed following the discovery of dangerous asbestos products.</p> <p>Evans Grocery had been a popular store before years of negligent ownership and nearby drug and crime problems forced it into disrepair. Plans recently came together to demolish the old store building and replace it with Evans Center, which would include a non-profit store, a job-training center, a clinic, and a community meeting place, according to <em><a href="http://www.floridatoday.com/article/20120426/NEWS01/304260005/On-issues-Asbestos-find-stalls-South-Melbourne-project?odyssey=tab|topnews|text|Local%20News" target="_blank">Florida Today</a></em>. </p> <p>However, before any construction or demotion could take place, testing of the old building revealed the presence of mesothelioma-causing asbestos construction products that needed to be removed by asbestos abatement experts.</p> <p> “An inspection found asbestos and lead-based paint in the second-floor apartments. Right now, the demolition is on hold while we follow the federal guidelines for removal,” said James Bartell, the president of the Evans Center board of directors. “We have to wait until we get all of the information on how to proceed. Everything is in the city’s hands.”</p> <p>He added that the $830,000 project would probably take “maybe one year” to build once construction can begin.</p> <p>The old Evans Grocery is yet another example of an old building that was visited by many people on a regular basis that contained dangerous asbestos products. If you have developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos at a building or a place of work, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Missouri Post Office Closed Amid Asbestos Worries</h1> <p>Fri, 27 Apr 2012 13:49:00 -0400</p> <p>A Missouri post office has been closed temporarily due to asbestos concerns. </p> <p>Residents in Bloomfield, MO going to their local post office recently found the doors locked along with a sign saying the building had been temporarily closed. When contacted for more information, U.S. Postal Service Spokesman Richard Watkins said that the closure had been initiated because of asbestos concerns in the building. </p> <p>"Basically, it's closed for safety precautions," Watkins said, according to the <a href="http://www.semissourian.com/story/1842099.html" target="_blank"><em>Southeast Missourian</em></a>. "We acted quickly because the safety of our customers and employees is paramount." </p> <p>There is currently no timetable regarding how long the post office will be closed for. </p> <p>While it is slightly concerning that a public building such as a post office could contain dangerous levels of asbestos, the most troublesome aspect of this story may be that there are no plans to move any of the mail that is currently inside the asbestos contaminated building. </p> <p>When this mail is eventually sent to its recipients, any loose asbestos fibers that are still embedded in the package could pose a mesothelioma risk. </p> <p>Have you been exposed to asbestos in the past and now been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Are Ohio Asbestos Lawsuit Regulations Unfair?</h1> <p>Thu, 26 Apr 2012 13:52:00 -0400</p> <p>Are defendants suing over illegal asbestos exposure at a disadvantage in the Ohio court system? </p> <p>The current way that asbestos legislation is set up in Ohio may make it more difficult for those who have been sickened by asbestos exposure to get the justice they deserve, according to a recent opinion piece published in the <a href="http://blog.cleveland.com/letters/2012/04/ohio_must_legislate_transparen.html" target="_blank"><em>Cleveland Plain Dealer</em></a>. </p> <p>When an Ohio resident is launching an asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuit in the state, they are eligible to file asbestos claims against both the asbestos trusts that have been set up to handle these typed of lawsuits, as well as claims against the companies that may be to blame for their exposure. </p> <p>However, the opinion piece notes that the way the systems to pursue both of these asbestos lawsuits are set up “lacks uniformity” that puts defendants at a disadvantage. More specifically, victims who file claims against asbestos trusts are often not encouraged to use information about their asbestos exposure and illness from that lawsuit when launching their civil suit against a company. </p> <p>While it is possible for a local judge to sidestep this issue by creating case management orders (CMOs) that allow for information from one lawsuit to be used in the other, only one county currently has such orders in place. Furthermore, CMOs can be waived by judges and do not necessarily hold their weight legally when used outside the county it originated in. </p> <p>“This lack of transparency between the two systems is unfair to defendant companies, which need access to information in order to fully and fairly defend themselves in court,” the piece states, before adding that a bill currently pending in the Ohio Senate would establish a more universal system for the sharing of information in regard to asbestos cases. </p> <p>Odd legal quirks such as this are just one of the reasons that is important to have experienced legal help on your side when pursuing a mesothelioma claim. Call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma lawsuit from one of our legal experts. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Man Dies After Mesothelioma Lawsuit Deposition</h1> <p>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 16:17:00 -0400</p> <p>While the legal process of filing a mesothelioma lawsuit is effective in getting mesothelioma victims the compensation they deserve, it is not perfect. The tragic case of John Johnson is an example of this, as well as an example of why getting experienced legal help for your lawsuit is extremely important.</p> <p>After working as a carpenter, plumber, auto mechanic, and plumber from 1961-1990, the 69-year-old Newport Beach, CA resident was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2010 after he suddenly became unable to catch his breath. Along with his wife, he launched mesothelioma lawsuits against 65 companies (the number was later reduced to 44) he thought could have produced asbestos products that made him sick</p> <p>Last November, before his trial was set to begin, his doctors began expressing concern that Johnson may not live until the end of the trial. There was also worry that the questioning Johnson had to undergo could take a toll on his diminished health. When depositions began on December 12, he was first questioned by his own lawyers before the defense began on December 19.</p> <p>California Law states that asbestos defendants can only be questioned for a total of 20 hours by the plaintiffs. However, because there were so many defendants in the case, the court allowed the defense lawyers five additional hours to question him. </p> <p>According to <em><a href="http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-hiltzik-20120422,0,1097806.column?track=lat-pick" target="_blank">The Los Angeles Times</a></em>, Johnson missed a number of doctors appointments so he would not miss a deposition session. During his final session on January 23, he gasped many times while answering questions and appeared to be “visibly weakened” and in pain. Less than 40 minutes after the session concluded, he collapsed, and was pronounced dead the following day at Hoag Memorial Hospital</p> <p>"I couldn't believe that we had spent so much time trying to save this guy and these other people come in really trying to kill him," Dr. Robert B. Cameron, Johnson’s thoracic surgeon, told the Times. "You can tell when a lawyer is smelling death — they were pounding him with the same questions over and over again."</p> <p>This is an example of one of the countless situations during a mesothelioma lawsuit when having an experienced attorney on your side who is looking out for your best interest is of the utmost importance. Sokolove Law has more than 30 years experience handling asbestos and mesothelioma claims and getting victims the compensation they deserve. </p> <p>Call us today to learn more about what it takes to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit, and see if there may be legal options open to you.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Dangerous Asbestos Levels Found in UC Boulder Dorm</h1> <p>Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400</p> <p>Following a health audit that revealed alarming levels of asbestos, The University of Colorado has decided to demolish an overflow dormitory it had been housing students in.</p> <p>The College Inn was originally constructed in 1964 when the usage of asbestos tiling, piping, insulation, and paint was still very common. After inspections determined that products such as these had led to dangerously high levels of asbestos in the building that could pose a health risk to students and increase their risk of developing mesothelioma later in life, the decision was made to demolish it over the summer in 2013.</p> <p>In addition to putting University of Colorado students at risk, the 76,779-square-foot is also located near a local high school.</p> <p>The health audit that determined the building was dangerous had been initiated by the university’s Environmental Health and Safety division in 2008. Asbestos was so openly exposed to students that a stipulation had been added to students’ lease agreements that warned them not to touch the asbestos-containing "popcorn" ceilings, <em><a href="http://www.dailycamera.com/cu-news/ci_20375855/cu-boulder-plans-1-5m-demolition-college-inn" target="_blank">The Daily Camera</a></em> reported.</p> <p>Have you been previously exposed to asbestos products in an unsafe building and now been diagnosed with mesothelioma? If so, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos Concerns at NYC School</h1> <p>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 16:00:00 -0400</p> <p> Families who send their children to Public School (PS) 29 in New York City are raising concerns over the potential risk of mesothelioma caused by asbestos products that are being exposed to students during renovations.</p> <p>Following the start of renovations at the school in March, families and faculty began to notice thick amounts of dust gathering around the building. The dust became noticeable enough that the school’s principal documented it with photos, however the renovations continued. </p> <p>Parents have grown increasingly worried about the dust, particularly because PS 29’s school building is very old, and therefore a chance that the dust could contain loose asbestos fibers that could be putting their children at risk of getting sick.</p> <p>"Given the cancer risks associated with airborne asbestos fibers, it is absolutely beyond me why anyone would allow this to take place while school is in session," a representative of a parent group that has launched a petition asking to delay the construction until summer break told the <em><a href="http://carrollgardens.patch.com/articles/ps-29-asbestos-removal-inspires-parent-petition" target="_blank">Carroll Gardens Patch</a></em>.</p> <p>The <a href="http://www.change.org/petitions/mayor-michael-bloomberg-issue-stop-work-order-at-ps-29-guarantee-air-safety-in-all-nyc-schools" target="_blank">petition</a>, which is addressed to New York City Mayor Michael Bloomberg and had been signed 437 as of April 23, states that the construction site at the school is “no place for children” and should have its operations suspended unless “authorities can unequivocally guarantee the absolute safety of the environment.”</p> <p>“Following 9/11 FEMA first said that the air was safe enough to breathe -- but we know it wasn't,” the petition adds.</p> <p>Have you or a loved one been exposed to asbestos that has led to a mesothelioma diagnosis. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Building Owner Pleads Guilty to Asbestos Crimes</h1> <p>Tue, 24 Apr 2012 08:57:00 -0400</p> <p>We recently brought you the <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/news/2012/03/17/Ohio-Building-Owner-Illegally-Disposed-of-Asbestos-Products" target="_blank">story</a> of an Ohio building owner who allegedly bypassed a nearly $5,000 asbestos abatement project quote from a legitimate company and instead illegally hired a man to do the job for $35. </p> <p>In an update to that story, the owner has pled guilty to federal charges of improperly disposing of asbestos, but will likely only be sentenced to probation despite potentially increasing the risk of mesothelioma for those who lived near his property.</p> <p>Lorne Elbert Jr. pled guilty to the charges earlier this week, citing a desire to avoid a drawn-out legal battle, The <em><a href="http://chronicle.northcoastnow.com/2012/04/18/elyria-developer-pleads-guilty-to-improper-disposal-of-asbestos/" target="_blank">Lorain Chronicle-Telegram</a></em> reported. </p> <p>Elbert Jr. and his company - Elbert Building Co. Inc. – were initially indicted on EPA charges of illegally removing asbestos from the city’s former Builders Square building that the company owns. They stemmed from a decision made by Elbert in June 2007 to forego working with a licensed asbestos abatement company after receiving a pricing quote of $4,900 for the removal of 800 square feet of asbestos insulation from the building’s boiler room before it was demolished</p> <p>Elbert informed the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency that his company would use the licensed asbestos contractor for the asbestos abatement project, but instead he hired an unlicensed individual to do the job for a price tag of only $35. State EPA inspections of the site uncovered four drums that contained dry asbestos products, and asbestos particles were also found in the boiler room and the parking lot. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following asbestos exposure, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about your legal options regarding a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Risk Closes Park Gift Shop</h1> <p>Sun, 22 Apr 2012 15:22:00 -0400</p> <p>While it may not be the most reassuring thought, it is important nonetheless to remember that deadly asbestos exposure can in the most unexpected of places.</p> <p>One example of this can be seen at Rainbow Springs State Park in Dunnellon, Florida, where the park’s gift shop and visitors center was closed in early January for repairs following a small fire caused by a heat lamp in a snake habitat. However, as repairs got underway following the fire it was discovered that asbestos had been used in the building’s ceiling and flooring materials.</p> <p>Jessica Sims, a spokeswoman for the Florida Park Service, said that the asbestos discovery led to the need for a much larger renovations project that will keep the gift shop and visitors center closed for several more months until any potential mesothelioma risk at the site has been dealt with.</p> <p>"The building was sealed after the fire due to potential asbestos contamination. The contamination inspection has been completed, and the park is waiting on permission to enter the building to remove all contents. After removal has been accomplished, the residual asbestos will be removed,” Sims said, according to <a href="http://www.ocala.com/article/20120331/ARTICLES/120339935/-1/entertainment02?p=1&tc=pg" target="_blank"><em>Ocala.com</em></a>. </p> <p>Rainbow Springs is open to the public and acts as a site for a number of family activities, including picnics and swimming. It may be concerning to some that asbestos is still being used in locations that are accessible to children and could increase their chances of developing mesothelioma later in life.</p> <p>Have you or a loved one been diagnosed with mesothelioma? Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Patient Submits Testimony to Congress</h1> <p>Sat, 21 Apr 2012 11:11:00 -0400</p> <p>Inspiring news out of Washington D.C. as a mesothelioma survivor is making her voice heard in an attempt to get more mesothelioma support from Congress. </p> <p>In an attempt to convince the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Labor, HHS, Education, and Related Agencies to increase funding and medical research for mesothelioma, Bonnie Anderson of the Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation has submitted her own <a href="http://www.curemeso.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=kkLUJ7MPKtH&b=3374433&ct=11712365&notoc=1" target="_blank"><em>patient testimony</em></a>. </p> <p>Anderson was diagnosed with peritoneal mesothelioma 10 years ago and given only six months to live. However, due in part to a mesothelioma clinical trial she was able to be a part of, she has been able to survive the deadly cancer. </p> <p>“I participated knowing I could face devastating side effects but with the hope I could help doctors learn how to treat mesothelioma and possibly add precious minutes to my time with my family,” Anderson said. </p> <p>She also detailed the issues she had to deal with when it came to getting her insurance to cover the costs for her clinical trial, which she insisted on continuing no matter the cost. </p> <p>“I knew if I was going to die from mesothelioma, I was going to put it to good use in a clinical trial,” she added. </p> <p>Anderson and MARF are pushing to increase the funding for mesothelioma research after recent years in which it has actually decreased. National Cancer Institute funding for mesothelioma research decreased 14 percent from 2008-2009 and 6 percent from 2009-2010. </p> <p>This steady decline in funding terrifies me as a patient anxiously awaiting development of new treatments,” Anderson said. “At this juncture, unless researchers have the funds to continue, patients like myself will have run out of treatment options and will die from this disease.” </p> <p>Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma that was caused by asbestos exposure, there may be legal options at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Was A 2012 Olympic Site Built on Asbestos?</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 17:05:00 -0400</p> <p>With the Summer Olympics Games only months away, some troubling news is coming out of a London-area town concerning an Olympic basketball site that may have been built on asbestos-contaminated ground and therefore pose a mesothelioma risk to both athletes and spectators. </p> <p> <em> <a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/sport/olympics/judge-told-of-olympics-basketball-site-asbestos-7657862.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a> </em> recently reported on a series of protests that have occurred outside of a basketball facility in the North London area of Waltham Forest. The reason for the protests is the land that the facility was built on, and concerns that it had been landfilled following World War II and was contaminated with dangerous substances, asbestos included.</p> <p>After protests that focused on concern for the safety of the area, and the idea that locals had not been properly consulted about future plans for the facility, a series of legal actions were undertaken to prevent the protesters from engaging in any “unlawful” activity on the site.</p> <p>During a recent court appearance in which the protestors were further restricted in how they could protest on the site, the High Court judge who was presiding over the matter was informed by environmental campaigners that the park land where the basketball facility was built contained significant amounts of “lead and asbestos.”</p> <p>It is unclear whether or not any actions will be taken to determine whether or not there may be any asbestos problem at the facility, but one would hope that the 2012 Olympics will be carried out without any risk of spectators or athletes being exposed to dangerous asbestos fibers.</p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now is suffering from mesothelioma, there may be legal actions at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Capitol Police Worry About Asbestos Exposure</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 15:27:00 -0400</p> <p>Capitol Police armed with the task of protecting areas in Washington D.C. that have been undergoing asbestos abatement projects have filed a complaint to the Office of Compliance alleging that they were not properly warned or safeguarded from the mesothelioma dangers that they areas they were patrolling carried.</p> <p>During weekends from February until April, asbestos removal projects were commissioned to take place in Senate subway tunnels. While the timing of the asbestos abatement projects was meant to coincide with periods when Senate staff members were not nearby, Capitol Police were still required to patrol the areas, <em><a href="http://thehill.com/blogs/blog-briefing-room/news/222645-officers-capitol-police-ignored-asbestos-concerns" target="_blank">The Hill</a></em> reported.</p> <p>The complaint, which was filed by the Capitol Police Labor Committee on behalf of the officers, stated that officers were not told of any asbestos hazards. Furthermore, requests for reassignment from areas that were undergoing asbestos abatement projects were not responded to by their department.</p> <p>Even after Phillip Morse, the chief of the Capitol Police, was notified of the potential asbestos dangers, officers claim they were still regularly stationed near the area and not given protective gear to shield them from the dangerous fibers.</p> <p>This is not the first asbestos-related complaint that have been levied in Capitol Hill in recent years. In 2006, crewmembers of the Capitol Power Plant alleged that the Architect of the Capitol did not properly protect them from dangerously high levels of asbestos they were regularly being exposed to.</p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at work and now suffer from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Property Owner Had Tenants Remove Asbestos</h1> <p>Fri, 20 Apr 2012 10:06:00 -0400</p> <p>A Massachusetts property owner has been indicted on charges of illegal asbestos abatement that could have put her tenants and neighbors at an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, according to by state Attorney General Martha Coakley.</p> <p>Fifty-nine-year-old Susan Nissenbaum was charged with three counts of violating the Massachusetts Clean Air Act after she allegedly failed to file a notice of asbestos removal with the state Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP), improper asbestos removal, and improper asbestos storage. In April 2010, she allegedly paid off two of her tenants at a property in Springfield so they would illegally remove asbestos siding and store it. </p> <p>The tenants were never given proper asbestos abatement tools, and never told how to safely handle products that contain the deadly fibers. State law requires that asbestos removal projects only be performed by licensed contractors who can safely remove the products without increasing the mesothelioma risk of the area by releasing asbestos fibers into the air. In this case, the asbestos products were stored in torn bags – an improper and unsafe method of storage for asbestos. </p> <p>Nissenbaum also never informed MassDEP of the asbestos abatement project, as she was required to do so by law.</p> <p>“We allege that this defendant put her tenants at risk by having them unsafely remove asbestos from the property and failing to warn them of the dangers involved,” Coakley said in a <a href="http://www.mass.gov/ago/news-and-updates/press-releases/2012/2012-04-18-nissenbaum-indictment.html" target="_blank">press release</a>.</p> <p>MassDEP Commissioner Kenneth Kimmell added that those who try to circumvent state laws involving the safe removal of asbestos products “not only put the health and safety of workers and nearby residents in jeopardy, but they will most assuredly be looking at elevated enforcement and that could include loss of license, a financial penalty and even criminal charges.” </p> <p>Nissenbaum is scheduled to be arraigned in Superior Court at a later date.</p> <p>If you or a loved one has been harmed by asbestos exposure and now suffer from an illness such as mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Fred Couples Donates to Mesothelioma Research</h1> <p>Thu, 19 Apr 2012 14:17:00 -0400</p> <p>It’s always good to see a public figure making an attempt to raise mesothelioma awareness, and 15-time PGA Tour winner Fred Couples is doing his part.</p> <p>Couples, who served as the captain of the U.S. team in The Presidents Cup 2011, has donated his share of the $4.5 million in charitable donations generated from bi-annual golf tournament to the <a href="http://www.curemeso.org/site/apps/nlnet/content2.aspx?c=kkLUJ7MPKtH&b=3374433&ct=11712993&notoc=1" target="_blank"><em>Mesothelioma Applied Research Foundation</em></a> (MARF). </p> <p>The Presidents Cup, which pits 24 U.S. and international golfers against each other in a team match play competition, has no prize money. Instead, each player, captain, and captain’s assistant allocates a portion of the proceeds generated from the tournament to a charity of their choosing. </p> <p>Couples and Ms. Midge Elo made the $25,000 donation to MARF in memory of George Elo, who died of mesothelioma. </p> <p>The Presidents Cup has raised more than $27 million for charities since it was first played in 1994. MARF specializes in funding peer-reviewed mesothelioma research. It has awarded more than $7.6 million to date. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there may be legal options at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about what is necessary to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Alaska Promoting Asbestos Use?</h1> <p>Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:12:00 -0400</p> <p>A controversial decision made in the Alaskan House of Representative would allow naturally occurring asbestos in the state to be mined if it is too expensive to find a replacement material, and some state politicians are not happy about it. </p> <p>Reggie Joule, A democrat in the House and the sponsor of the bill, said that the decision “creates a voluntary program that allows certain areas to use naturally occurring asbestos gravel for construction projects.” Some of these projects, he added, have been in the pipeline for years. </p> <p>In order to determine whether naturally-mined asbestos from area is “safe” enough for used, the bill also would set up a process to determine the danger level of the materials in question, <a href="http://www.alaskapublic.org/2012/04/05/house-accepts-naturally-occurring-asbestos/" target="_blank"><em>Alaska Public Radio</em></a> reported. </p> <p>However, there are many who oppose the bill and feel that allowing the usage of asbestos – which has been linked extensively as the primary cause of mesothelioma – could be dangerous. Les Gara, another democrat in the House, lobbied unsuccessfully for the requirement of public meetings before the approval of asbestos products in a town. He also maintained that there is no truly “safe” form of the deadly fiber, and that the bill would prevent those who become sickened from the asbestos inhalation from seeking compensatory damages. </p> <p>“If you end up breathing in asbestos and getting asbestosis, you have no recourse. All liability is taken away. So you have no compensatory damages if you get the disease,” he said. “So a small protection would be for at least the public to come out and listen and speak out before a plan is adopted in their community.” </p> <p>Asbestos products have been known to be the primary cause of deadly diseases like mesothelioma for decades now. While the bill still has to go before the state Senate, the fact that an idea such as this can still gain any traction is all the more reason that laws banning the use of asbestos in the United States should be put in place. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffers from mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Pfizer May Be Liable in Asbestos Lawsuits</h1> <p>Mon, 16 Apr 2012 15:31:00 -0400</p> <p>While Pfizer Inc. may be best known for its contributions to the pharmaceutical world, a recent ruling in New York may lead to a renewed focus on the company’s past dealings with asbestos as well. </p> <p>An NY federal appeals court recently ruled that Pfizer can be sued in asbestos or mesothelioma lawsuits in Pennsylvania that involve asbestos exposure caused by the now-bankrupt Quigley Co. The company, which manufactured asbestos products from the 1930s until the 1970s, was acquired by Pfizer in 1968, <a href="http://www.businessinsurance.com/article/20120411/NEWS06/120419981?tags=|61|75|302|303" target="_blank"><em>Business Insurance</em></a> reported. </p> <p>Quigley - and, in many cases, Pfizer - has been named the defendant in 160,000 mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits that allege the company’s products harmed them. While a bankruptcy ruling regarding Quigley had initially imposed a stay on any of the lawsuits against Pfizer, the NY appeals court overturned the decision and ruled that the lawsuits could proceed. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos that was caused by a specific company or product, and has since been diagnosed with a deadly illness such as mesothelioma, there are legal options at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Large Number of Asbestos-Related Deaths in UK Town</h1> <p>Sat, 14 Apr 2012 12:53:00 -0400</p> <p>Asbestos-related illnesses and deaths are a problem that exists globally. Asbestos has been mined in every inhabited continent, and to this day is still traded and used in applications ranging from consumer goods to construction materials. Because asbestos-related diseases are caused by an inhalation of the mineral’s loose fibers that make up the mineral, areas can exist where rates of mesothelioma and asbestosis are particularly high because of local mines, shipyards or factories that processed asbestos regularly. </p> <p>An example of this in the United States would be Libby, Montana, where many residents developed asbestos-related diseases because of a local asbestos mine that employed many of them. The mine also regularly spewed asbestos fibers out into the town, coating the area with dangerous asbestos dust. </p> <p>In the United Kingdom, recently released statistics show that Lancashire, a county in the northwest of England, has also been hit particularly hard by asbestos-related diseases with more than 80 recorded in the last five years alone. </p> <p>The <a href="http://www.lancashiretelegraph.co.uk/news/9555326._Alarming__number_of_asbestos_related_deaths_in_East_Lancashire_in_past_five_years/" target="_blank"><em>Lancashire Telegraph</em></a> reports that the town of Blackburn with Darwen, located just 30 miles from the resort town of Blackpool, outpaces national averages in regards to asbestos related deaths, with an average of three deaths for every 100,000 residents; a rate local officials have termed as being ‘alarming.’ </p> <p>“More people die of mesothelioma in Blackburn with Darwen per head of the population than in most other parts of the country,” David Bott, the president of the non -profit Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, told the Telegraph. </p> <p>Many of the asbestos-related deaths in East Lancashire have been linked to either the Garden Street gas mask factory or the Huncoat Power Station. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/exposure" target="_blank">exposed to asbestos</a> here in the United States and now suffer from mesothelioma or another asbestos-related disease, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing an asbestos claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>New Jersey Principal Dies From Mesothelioma</h1> <p>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 16:31:00 -0400</p> <p>Sad news out of New Jersey, as the 39-year-old principal of Briarcliff Middle School has died of mesothelioma. </p> <p>Marco F. Cera, who grew up in the same area where he would eventually become an educator, held a business job before switching professions to education and becoming a social studies teacher. Eventually he was able to work his way up the role of principal at Briarcliff in 2010. </p> <p>However, in August 2011 he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, according to the <em><a href="http://www.northjersey.com/news/146571025_M_F__Cera__ex-teacher_in_Pompton_Lakes__dies_Was_also_principal_in_Franklin_Lakes.html?page=all" target="_blank">North Jersey Record</a></em>. No reason for his diagnosis, or how he may have been exposed to asbestos that could have led to it, was given. </p> <p>"He faced it heroically," said Marco’s father, Anthony Cera. "He thought he could beat it, and he operated that way, even though he was wasting away, even until he died. He thanked us all, told us what a wonderful family he had." </p> <p>For much of the 20th century, schools constructed in the U.S. were built using a number of asbestos products. Even though a number of those products have since been removed through asbestos abatement procedures, many schools still contain asbestos that could be putting students and teachers at risk of developing illnesses such as mesothelioma and asbestosis. </p> <p>Have you been diagnosed with mesothelioma that was caused by exposure to asbestos? Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos to be Removed from Maine Opera House</h1> <p>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:20:00 -0400</p> <p> The small town of Norway, Maine was once the hub of American snowshoe manufacturing and, like many other Maine towns, was a booming industrial center for much of the 19th and 20th centuries. Despite its small size, it boasts cultural and civic infrastructure that rival much larger cities with larger populations. </p> <p>However, Norway’s impressive infrastructure, much of which was built in the era when asbestos was still a popular building material, is now deteriorating with age. The town’s Opera House, which was built in 1894, is currently undergoing a renovation after it was abandoned in 2007 when part of the structure’s roof collapsed. Given the age of the building, it should come as no surprise that any remaining asbestos materials in the structure must be removed before the restoration can take place. </p> <p>According to the <a href="http://www.sunjournal.com/news/oxford-hills/2012/02/22/mold-asbestos-be-removed-opera-house/1158107" target="_blank"><em>Lewiston Sun Journal</em></a>, local architect Jake Keeler said some of asbestos materials had been found in the first-floor storefronts of the Main Street building. </p> <p>“Several basement spaces have mold and asbestos, as well as some flooring materials,” he said. “The actual material that makes up the storefronts was not found to contain such materials, but various interior spaces were.” </p> <p>The dangers associated with asbestos have been documented for generations. It is the most common cause of mesothelioma, as well as other diseases such as asbestosis. </p> <p>The Sun Journal reports that when the three-story brick Opera House was taken by the town using eminent domain in 2010, the building’s owner Bitim Enterprises was compensated with $185,000. Two of the six storefronts had been vacated when the roof collapsed. The other storefronts have been empty for years. </p> <p>If you have been <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/exposure" target="_blank">exposed to asbestos</a> – whether in a theater or through more common means like <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/exposure" target="_blank">factory</a> work, call our convenient toll-free number 888-360-4215 to speak with a consultant today regarding a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Pipe Burst in St. Louis Released Dangerous Asbestos Materials</h1> <p>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:55:00 -0400</p> <p>Asbestos insulation surrounding an underground pipe that recently burst in downtown St. Louis did indeed release loose fibers of the dangerous material into the city’s air. Despite this, health inspectors are insisting that there is no need to worry about an increased risk of city residents developing asbestos related diseases such as mesothelioma. </p> <p>The steam pipe ruptured on April 5 near Convention Plaza and N 11th street, spewing dirt and asbestos insulation that covered a one block radius. Cleanup crews were quick to section off the area and immediately begin the cleanup process, which was finished within days. </p> <p>However, the testing of substances that were released when the pipe burst confirmed that some of the debris that was spread throughout the area contained asbestos. The exact amount of asbestos that was released into the city could not be confirmed, but the city’s <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/news/local/govt-and-politics/political-fix/pipe-s-asbestos-debris-not-threat-st-louis-health-director/article_702ee326-8012-11e1-8f16-001a4bcf6878.html#ixzz1rfZl3Ifm" target="_blank">Health Director, Pam Walker</a> said that the risk of residents developing any asbestos related diseases because of the debris was “very minimal.” </p> <p>While the Environmental Protection Agency has been informed of the pipe burst in St. Louis, it had no immediate plans to assist in any cleanup in the area. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffer from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Insurance Company Denies 9/11 Asbestos Claims</h1> <p>Fri, 13 Apr 2012 00:39:00 -0400</p> <p>An insurance company that covered the construction of the World Trade Center is claiming it has no responsibility to pay out asbestos claims to victims who were diagnosed with illnesses such as mesothelioma in the wake of the 9/11 attacks that destroyed the buildings. </p> <p>American Home Assurance (AHA) originally issued an insurance policy to the Port Authority of New York for the World Trade Center towers in 1966 prior to their construction. When the construction eventually got underway, AHA was aware that a plastering company applied insulation that contained asbestos to columns and beams on the first 39 floors of Tower One, <em><a href="http://www.courthousenews.com/2012/04/09/45440.htm" target="_blank">Courthouse News</a></em> reported. </p> <p>Following the 9/11 attacks, AHA and a number of companies that helped build the towers found themselves to be defendants in mesothelioma and asbestos lawsuits from New Yorkers with various asbestos diseases who claimed they had been sickened by fibers that went airborne following the buildings’ collapse. </p> <p>However, after years of paying out to claims to individuals that has been sickened by the asbestos products, AHA recently alleged that they were no longer obligated to handle asbestos claims in regard to the WTC site because the insurance policy they issued was capped at $10 million per occurrence </p> <p>"In general, subject to all its terms, conditions and exclusions, the policy includes a $10 million per occurrence limit for WTC asbestos claims. To date, American Home has paid in excess of $10 million to indemnify insureds in response to WTC asbestos claims. It obligations, if any, are exhausted and no coverage is available under the policy for pending WTC asbestos claims," AHA states in a claim that was recently filed in New York County Court. </p> <p>While it remains to be seen how this situation will pan out, it is an example of the difficulties that a mesothelioma patient can face in the legal system while trying to get the settlement they rightfully deserve. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and since developed mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about the proper ways to pursue a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>The Mesothelioma Risk of Quilted Asbestos Mitts</h1> <p>Thu, 12 Apr 2012 00:26:00 -0400</p> <p>Asbestos has been used in several different products throughout history. Even today, there are at least three thousand products in the United States that use asbestos materials. The fact remains that while this deadly carcinogen causes mesothelioma, asbestosis and other diseases, it is also still prized for its low cost and ability to prevent fires. </p> <p>Asbestos is not flammable, so it only makes sense that when American asbestos usage was at its peak in the mid-20th century, the fiber was a popular material for use in products that were used around ovens and stoves. Moreover, because asbestos is a fibrous mineral, it can be used to produce fabrics much in the same way one might use wool or cotton fabrics. Asbestos was popular with firefighters, race car drivers, and other professions where fire was a constant hazard. These asbestos fabrics were also adapted for the home and were used to make oven mitts, table cloths, and many other products. </p> <p>In <a href="http://blog.modernmechanix.com/mags/PopularScience/7-1946/asbestos_mitt.jpg" target="_blank">this</a> vintage advertisement, the quilted and wool-lined oven mitts are praised for their low cost and longevity compared to similar products. Moreover, the company which took out this ad, Industrial Gloves, notes that they have a whole catalog of similar products including gloves, aprons and sleeves. </p> <p>While it is certainly important to be safe while cooking, the risk posed by asbestos fibers was never worth the risk one faces at the oven so most asbestos fabric materials are no longer available. </p> <p>If you have been <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/exposure" target="_blank">exposed to asbestos</a>, call our convenient toll-free number 888-360-4215 to speak with a mesothelioma consultant. </p> <p>Many of the products that used asbestos seem insane given our modern understanding of the effects asbestos has on our health. Products like these mitts that were designed for use around food, however, add an even higher level of danger. </p> <p>If you’ve been <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/exposure" target="_blank">exposed</a> to any form of asbestos, contact us for a no-obligation legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma lawsuit </p> </article> <article> <h1>Old Homes Were Built Entirely with Asbestos?</h1> <p>Wed, 11 Apr 2012 13:24:00 -0400</p> <p> Asbestos materials were once used in a wide variety of building products because of their ability to effectively mitigate fire danger while also insulating and being relatively inexpensive. However, today we know that while asbestos has these qualities, it is also an extraordinarily dangerous material, and is the primary cause of many deadly diseases such as mesothelioma. </p> <p>While these health concerns have lead to a decreased usage of asbestos products in construction projects here in the United States, in the past it was actually possible to build an entire structure using asbestos products almost exclusively. </p> <p>Old advertisements - such as <a href="http://ancestrysearch.files.wordpress.com/2010/07/asbestos.jpg" target="_blank">this one</a> for Hardie’s Australian Made Fibrolite Asbestos Cement Sheets and Slates – touted asbestos products that could be used for all aspects of home construction: exterior and interior walls, ceilings and roofing. They could have easily added insulation, plumbing, wiring and even paint among other products to that list. </p> <p>As a result of asbestos’ common use in construction products and materials, those who worked in that industry were more likely to come in contact with asbestos fibers in their raw form and are at a higher risk of asbestos related diseases. </p> <p>While we are lucky to now live in a world that has an advanced understanding of the real harm asbestos products can pose to those who come in contact with them, many people were not armed with this knowledge throughout much of the 19th and 20th centuries. In fact, asbestos continues to be used widely even today in many foreign countries despite the knowledge of its toxic effects. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma that can be traced back to asbestos exposure from work in the construction industry, there may be legal options at your disposal. Contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Documentary Focuses on Mesothelioma Danger in India</h1> <p>Tue, 10 Apr 2012 13:06:00 -0400</p> <p>While the use of <a href="http://awe.sm/5hAjB" target="_blank">asbestos</a> materials has largely decreased in the developed world in recent decades, countries with emerging economies have been increasing their usage of the toxic substance. India has been importing deadly asbestos fibers for years and manufacturing <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/exposure/products?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=meso&utm_content=Products" target="_blank">building materials from asbestos</a>. These products are then marketed to the poorest of India’s residents, many of whom have no concept of the danger posed by the materials they use and manufacture. </p> <p>In India, where controls on asbestos use are essentially nonexistent, there has been massive growth in the number of diagnosed diseases that result from asbestos exposure, such as <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/diseases/asbestosis/asbestos-and-asbestosis?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=meso&utm_content=Products" target="_blank">asbestosis</a> and <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/mesothelioma?utm_source=blog&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=meso&utm_content=Products" target="_blank">mesothelioma</a>. The expansion of the asbestos industry in India and other similar countries has been the topic of much global debate. </p> <param name="movie" value="http://c.brightcove.com/services/viewer/federated_f9?isVid=1&isUI=1" /><param name="bgcolor" value="#FFFFFF" /><param name="flashVars" value="videoId=1403540082001&linkBaseURL=http%3A%2F%2Faje.me%2FzygseP&playerID=664965303001&playerKey=AQ~~,AAAAmtVJIFk~,TVGOQ5ZTwJZbyLu770YWZ_LE4OaoU5Nv&domain=embed&dynamicStreaming=true" /><param name="base" value="http://admin.brightcove.com" /><param name="seamlesstabbing" value="false" /><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true" /><param name="swLiveConnect" value="true" /><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always" /></object> <p>In the documentary above, produced by Al Jazeera, it is shown that dangerous business practices abound. The workers who handle the asbestos materials do not understand the risks, pretend the risks do not exist and even reject the concept that asbestos is dangerous. The film traces the asbestos used in India back to its point of origin in Canada, a country that has legally mined and exported asbestos for years. All asbestos mining activities in Canada has currenlty stopped, although it may resume at some point in the future. </p> <p>Here in the United States, we are more similar to India than most people may think when it comes to the current use of toxic asbestos materials. Asbestos is still legal here, and is almost always imported into the country from mines elsewhere, and is utilized in part because it cost effective. There is really no way to be completely safe from the dangerous asbestos fibers if you are working directly with them. </p> <p>It’s time to stop this shameful industry both here and abroad. Join our fight over at <a href="http://www.banasbestosnow.com/" target="_blank">ban asbestos now</a>. If you have been exposed to asbestos and now suffer from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos Exposure a Worldwide Concern</h1> <p>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 16:46:00 -0400</p> <p>While asbestos exposure is undoubtedly a worry for many across the United States, it is also important to remember that mesothelioma worries caused by asbestos are a commonality among people living all over the world. </p> <p>A court in Osaka, Japan recently ruled that the government was liable for the asbestos-related illnesses developed by 50 former factory workers and their families. The asbestos lawsuit brought by the workers – who were exposed to asbestos by running the fiber through spinning mills while working for a transport company – claim that the government was aware of the dangers associated with asbestos by 1959. However, it did not take action to require proper safety measures and ventilation devices to be put into place until 1971. </p> <p>The asbestos lawsuit resulted in a ¥180 million (approximately $2.1 million) settlement for the workers, <a href="http://www.japantimes.co.jp/text/nn20120330a6.html" target="_blank"><em>The Japan Times</em></a>. </p> <p>In a somewhat similar situation currently unfolding in India, 50 mine workers from Rajasthan recently held a sit-in protest in front of the National Institute of Occupational Health regarding concerns that they may be suffering from asbestosis. Having not received free health check-ups from the institute since 2005 – which are required for the confirmation of an asbestosis or mesothelioma diagnosis before the worker can move ahead with free treatment and perhaps an eventual asbestos lawsuit – many of the workers are demanding new check-ups so they can get the care they feel they deserve. </p> <p>The 2005 checkups of 164 mine workers determined that 90 of them were suffering from asbestosis, according to <em><a href="http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2012-03-31/ahmedabad/31266406_1_nioh-asbestosis-mine-workers" target="_blank">The Times of India</a></em>. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with a disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today for a free consultation regarding a mesothelioma lawsuit.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Fire Dept. Training May Have Caused Mesothelioma Risk</h1> <p>Sat, 07 Apr 2012 13:21:00 -0400</p> <p>The burning of an old house in Billings, Montana for city fire department training purposes may have landed county officials in hot water because proper asbestos abatement procedures to reduce the risk of mesothelioma were not taken. </p> <p>After previously deciding to board up the abandoned house, county officials allowed the Billings Fire Department to burn it instead as part of a three-day training exercise for recruits. While the county spent more than $1,000 to remove roofing shingles before the burn occurred, it was later determined that a Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ)-approved asbestos abatement expert never properly surveyed the building, as is required by state law. </p> <p>Following the burn, a DEQ Enforcement Specialist informed County Commissioner Jim Reno that improper asbestos abatement procedures had not been followed. The department is still deciding whether or not to asses a penalty for potential mesothelioma risk caused by the unregulated burn, according to the <a href="http://billingsgazette.com/news/local/county-may-have-violated-asbestos-rules-with-training-burn/article_337caa8d-b726-5014-b40b-9caf584f3690.html?oCampaign=hottopics" target="_blank"><em>Billings Gazette</em></a>.</p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Kills Wife of UK Soldier</h1> <p>Fri, 06 Apr 2012 09:48:00 -0400</p> <p>Another sad story is being reported out of the UK in which secondhand asbestos exposure has led to the mesothelioma death of a loved one who did nothing more than live with someone who unknowingly tracked the deadly fiber into their home. </p> <p>Sixty-six-year old Helene Todd passed away from malignant mesothelioma in 2010, only seven months after being told she had developed the deadly asbestos cancer. The cause of her mesothelioma was tracked back to asbestos fibers that were unknowingly brought into her home by her husband John, who served in the military as a sergeant with the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers in Germany from 1968-1979. </p> <p>John regularly worked on military vehicles that used asbestos products, and would come home with asbestos fibers all over his work clothes. In the years since he worked there, the Ministry of Defense has admitted that they were responsible for John and Helene’s asbestos exposure. </p> <p>Since her death, John has taken steps towards pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit that is only possible through the sad irony of the situation: If he had been the one to die from asbestos exposure, “crown immunity” would have prevented his family from bringing a personal injury lawsuit. </p> <p>"I was paid to die, but she wasn't," he said, according to <a href="http://blogs.mirror.co.uk/investigations/2012/04/asbestos-kills-army-wife-helen.html" target="_blank"><em>The Mirror</em></a>. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffer from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Risk For South Korean Baseball Players, Fans</h1> <p>Thu, 05 Apr 2012 15:56:00 -0400</p> <p>With baseball on everyone’s mind as the new season gets underway, we at Sokolove Law decided to take a look at a recently discovered asbestos issue that is currently affecting an entire generation of players and fans from South Korea, some of whom could someday end up on a major league team in the United States. </p> <p>The Jamsil Baseball Stadium, which is located in Seoul, South Korea, can seat more than 30,000 fans and acts as the home to two professional Korean Baseball Organization teams – the LG Twins and Doosan Bears. It also serves as a landmark for tourists, having hosted Olympic events in 1988 when the city hosted the summer games. However, recent samples taken at the stadium revealed that soil samples from the field contain levels of asbestos that exceed legal levels and could pose a health risk. </p> <p>Other samples taken at four other baseball stadiums located in three other South Korean cities also detected elevated levels of asbestos in the soil. </p> <p>Perhaps even more troubling than the detection of the dangerous fibers in the soil is that it seems there is no secret as to how or why the asbestos got there in the first place. According to <a href="http://english.hani.co.kr/arti/english_edition/e_national/497927.html" target="_blank"><em>The Hankyoreh</em></a>, crushed olivine has been used since 2008 along the field’s base lines that stretch from the home plate to first, second, and third bases. The olivine used in South Korea is found in a serpentine asbestos mine located in Andong, meaning that the fibers could easily be contaminated with loose asbestos fibers. </p> <p>The use of olivine was part of an initiative that was launched in 2008 by the Ministry of Science, Education and Technology. Some schools that have used olivine on their fields have been found to have asbestos levels as high as 3.75 percent </p> <p>While an asbestos problem of this magnitude luckily does not seem to currently be a problem in most American baseball stadiums, mesothelioma has been something that has recently affected the U.S. baseball community. Charlie Metro played with the Detroit Tigers in 1943-44 before working as a coach with the New York Yankees and Chicago White Sox. He may be best known for acting as one of “The College of Coaches” for the Chicago Cubs in 1962 and briefly managed the Kansas City Royals in 1970. Last March, Metro <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/news/2011/03/25/former-mlb-player-manager-passes-away-from-mesothelioma" target="_blank">passed away</a> from mesothelioma at the age of 91. </p> <p>If you have developed mesothelioma that can be linked to previous asbestos exposure, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Exposed Asbestos at Baylor University Leads to Closures</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 16:39:00 -0400</p> <p>Asbestos products that were used as soundproofing for the bowling alley in the Bill Daniel Student Center at Baylor University and became disturbed after recent flood damage has led to the closing of the building’s basement while the dangerous materials are removed. </p> <p>After heavy rains at the university on March 20 filled the student center's basement with nearly two inches of standing water, plans were initially made to close the basement for one day as the water was pumped out. However, during the process it was discovered that asbestos insulation had been installed beneath the bowling alley and been disturbed during the flooding. </p> <p>As a result, the bowling alley now must be closed for a number of weeks as the proper asbestos abatement procedures are undertaken, Media Relations Director Lori Fogleman told the <a href="http://baylorlariat.com/2012/04/03/asbestos-hazard-closes-sub-basement-indefinitely/" target="_blank">school newspaper</a>. She added that no students or faculty were likely put in danger by the loose asbestos after it was disturbed, since the fibers were probably was loosened when the flooding occurred and no one was nearby. </p> <p>While asbestos is not used as commonly now in construction as it once was, there are still many buildings at colleges that contain products using asbestos that can be dangerous if they are disturbed. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at school and developed an illness such as mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Illinois Company Cited for Mesothelioma Risks</h1> <p>Wed, 04 Apr 2012 13:31:00 -0400</p> <p>An Illinois-based construction company has been cited with more than 20 health violations by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after it did not protect its workers from asbestos inhalation that can potentially lead to them developing mesothelioma later in life. </p> <p>A.M. Castle & Co. was fined $127,600 and hit with 22 “serious health violations” for the way the company looked out for the safety of employees who were working at a site in Franklin Park. The company received violations for failing to determine the presence of asbestos-containing material on the site and properly labeling the products as potentially dangerous, not providing a regulated area for asbestos removal operations, using HEPA vacuums to safely collect debris that could contain asbestos fibers, and improperly monitoring whether or not any employees were being exposed to asbestos. </p> <p>Additionally, A.M. Castle did not properly provide asbestos awareness training to employees at the site, and also did not give them the proper protective clothing, respirators, and access to a “decontamination room” that a company is required to do so when handling employees working with asbestos. </p> <p>"Failing to take proper precautions when removing asbestos puts workers at risk for respiratory and other serious illnesses," said Diane Turek, the director of OSHA's Chicago North Area Office, in a <a href="http://www.osha.gov/pls/oshaweb/owadisp.show_document?p_table=NEWS_RELEASES&p_id=22086" target="_blank">press release</a>. "OSHA is committed to protecting workers on the job, especially when employers fail to do so." </p> <p>OSCHA deems that a “serious” violation has occurred when “there is substantial probability that death or serious physical harm could result from a hazard about which the employer knew or should have known.” </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at work and since developed mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Baseball Opening Day: Asbestos Concerns at Old Ballparks?</h1> <p>Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:36:00 -0400</p> <p> With the opening day of the 2012 MLB baseball season fast approaching, it is worth taking a look at some of the older baseball stadiums across the country that were likely built with asbestos construction products and host millions of fans every summer. </p> <p>When it comes to asbestos in a stadium, the original Yankee Stadium had the uniquely unfortunate quality of having been originally constructed in 1922-1923 and substantially renovated in 1974-1975, both of which were when asbestos products were still regularly used in construction projects and before the implementation of more strict asbestos regulations in the 1980s. </p> <p>While the stadium was never firmly connected to any asbestos exposure involving fans, it was linked to the mesothelioma diagnosis of a former foreman who worked there. A former carpenter who worked on many historic sites in New York City throughout his 30-year career was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2009 that may have been caused in part by asbestos ceiling and floor tiles he cut through at the stadium while building concession stands. </p> <p>In its later years, there was also an incident that could have potentially exposed some remaining asbestos products that were used in the stadium’s construction or renovation. On <a href="http://www.nytimes.com/1998/04/14/sports/baseball-yankee-stadium-closed-as-beam-falls-onto-seats.html?pagewanted=all&src=pm" target="_blank">April 13, 1998</a>, the then-75-year-old stadium was closed by city officials after a 500 lb concrete beam broke free from underneath the upper deck and fell onto the seats below. Two weeks of health and safety inspections followed before the stadium was allowed to reopen to the public. </p> <p>Prior to the eventual demolition of Yankee Stadium in 2009-2010, a <a href="http://www.demcoinc.com/Tools/Portfolio/frontend/item.asp?type=7&size=0&lngDisplay=0&jPageNumber=3&strMetaTag=" target="_blank">$20 million contract</a> awarded to Decommissioning & Environmental Management Co. by the NYC Department of Parks & Recreation included asbestos abatement that had to be performed first. </p> <p>Players and managers who played in the old stadium have not been immune from deadly illnesses caused by asbestos exposure. Former Yankee coach Charlie Metro <a href="http://www.asbestos.net/news/2011/03/25/former-mlb-player-manager-passes-away-from-mesothelioma" target="_blank">passed away</a> from mesothelioma last March.</p> <p>If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma that can be traced back to asbestos exposure at a certain location, there may be legal options at your disposal. Contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma claim. </p> <p>Photo courtesy of Eric Beato via <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/ericbeato/2773653342/" target="_blank">Flickr</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Death Resulted From Secondhand Asbestos Exposure</h1> <p>Mon, 02 Apr 2012 16:02:00 -0400</p> <p>While it is no secret that those who work with asbestos fibers on a regular basis have an increased risk of developing mesothelioma, the mesothelioma risk of those who live with asbestos workers is not as commonly discussed. With that in mind, it is all the more troubling when an innocent family member such as Annette Bhatti succumbs to the deadly asbestos disease. </p> <p>Bhatti, who was 49-years-old at the time of her death, was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis when she used to welcome home her dad from work. Her father’s work at a shipyard in the UK regularly involved the cutting of asbestos sheets, and he would return home in the same clothes he had worn at the yard. According to her family, she was exposed to asbestos regularly until she left home at the age of 18. </p> <p>In June 2010, only one month before her wedding to her husband, Bhatti was diagnosed with mesothelioma. She passed away from the deadly asbestos cancer in December 2011, according to <em><a href="http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/killed-by-a-cuddle-from-her-dad-asbestos-dust-776384" target="_blank">The Mirror</a></em>. </p> <p>“[Annette’s father] blames himself. He is broken, totally devastated,” said her brother Stuart following an inquest into her death. Her father added that he was not aware of the dangers relating to asbestos when he would wear his dusty work clothes home.</p> <p>While this unfortunate situation took place in the UK, there are many cases of secondhand asbestos exposure that have occurred in the United States that have resulted in similar mesothelioma diagnoses. If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma that was caused by asbestos exposure, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim.</p> </article> <article> <h1>UK Ruling Forces Insurers to Pay Mesothelioma Victims</h1> <p>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:52:00 -0400</p> <p>A historic ruling in a UK court will allow thousands of families who have been affected by mesothelioma to receive compensation through their insurance companies. </p> <p>The Supreme Court ruled this week that families with relatives who were killed by mesothelioma will be eligible to receive compensation through the insurance companies that were covering them at the time. </p> <p>The judgment comes after years of litigation involving four insurance companies that had been attempting to skirt payments that were owed to 6,000 families with individuals who passed away from mesothelioma. The insurers argued that employer liability only covered instances when cancerous tumorsbegan developing while the victim was still employed, not the asbestos exposure that likely led to the development of the tumors decades later, <em><a href="http://www.businessweek.com/news/2012-03-28/u-dot-k-dot-supreme-court-says-insurers-should-pay-asbestos-victims" target="_blank">Business Week</a></em> reported. </p> <p>However, the Supreme Court ruled that insurance coverage at the time of asbestos exposure will qualify the sickened individuals, and their families, to the insurance payouts they deserve. The 6,000 families may receive settlements totaling £6 million (958 million U.S. dollars). Up to 25,000 families may be affected by the ruling due to future claims, and could potentially up the total settlement figure to approximately £5 billion ($7.9 billion), according to <em><a href="http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/families-win-landmark-ruling-on-600m-asbestos-compensation-7584590.html" target="_blank">The Independent</a></em>.</p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffers from mesothelioma, there may be legal actions at your disposal to get the mesothelioma settlement that is deserved. Call Sokolove Law to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim today. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Louisiana University Building Evacuated Due to Mesothelioma Risk</h1> <p>Sun, 01 Apr 2012 15:22:00 -0400</p> <p>A building at McNeese State University that houses a number of school offices and classrooms has been closed off after loose asbestos that could lead to the development of mesothelioma in students and faculty was uncovered. </p> <p>Kaufman Hall - which holds offices for school employees who work with computer services, scholarships, and Continuing Education as well as classrooms for social science classes – was closed off earlier this month after renovations to the building’s third floor accidentally led to the release of asbestos. According to the Louisiana school’s President Phillip Williams, the asbestos exposure occurred on March 5 when an old door was cut in half so construction workers could remove it from the building. </p> <p>“There was a release of some material that at the time the contractors were unsure what it was," Williams told students and faculty at a recent meeting, according to the <em><a href="http://www.necn.com/03/29/12/Asbestos-found-in-McNeese-States-Kaufman/landing_health.html?&apID=fb96c95fe8054499a1468c8d49a7539e" target="_blank">Associated Press</a></em>. "You all continued to work. Nothing was done until we found out on Friday (March 9) of that week that it was possible that asbestos was inside that door." </p> <p>Since then, the building has remained closed off while tests have been performed to try and determine how many students and faculty may have been exposed to the mesothelioma-causing fibers. At least 30 workers are estimated to have used the building in the days between the cutting of the door and the building’s evacuation. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos at work and since developed mesothelioma, there may be legal options at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Risk Delays Cedar Rapids Library Construction</h1> <p>Sat, 31 Mar 2012 17:12:00 -0400</p> <p>The opening of a new library in Cedar Rapids may be delayed for weeks as officials attempt to address a mesothelioma risk that has been found in debris already located on the site. </p> <p>During the excavation of the site where the new library, workers recently uncovered debris containing asbestos that was likely from an old school that had previously been built on the grounds. The materials with the mesothelioma-causing fibers had been hidden underneath the building that was built on the site after the school had been torn down. That building is now being demolished to make way for the new library, according to the <em><a href="http://www.desmoinesregister.com/article/20120327/NEWS/120327014/-1/BUSINESS04/Asbestos-could-delay-Cedar-Rapids-library-opening" target="_blank">Associated Press</a></em>. </p> <p>Asbestos abatement plans have been put together to safely remove the asbestos products from the site. The cost for the asbestos removal will cost more than $1 million, and the added project will likely bump the grand opening of the new library one month. It is currently scheduled to open during the summer of 2013. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to loose asbestos fibers and subsequently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, there are legal options at your disposal. Contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation regarding a mesothelioma claim. <br /></p> </article> <article> <h1>Children Use Asbestos As Chalk, Spark Mesothelioma Worries</h1> <p>Thu, 29 Mar 2012 16:24:00 -0400</p> <p>Parents in an upstate New York town are shocked and concerned over the recent discovery that small children were playing with chunks of mesothelioma-causing asbestos in front of an old school. </p> <p>The situation unfolded in front of the old Niagara Falls Junior High School where a number of children were observed drawing on the sidewalk with what seemed to be chalk. However, when adults went over to check on the kids, they learned that the children were actually drawing with a chunk of asbestos. </p> <p>"It just shocks me. I'm scared for my daughter. What's to come of her health later on?" Tammy Shermer, the mother of one girl who was drawing with the deadly substance, told Buffalo’s <em><a href="http://www.wivb.com/dpp/news/niagara/kids-used-asbestos-as-sidewalk-chalk" target="_blank">WIVB News Channel 4</a></em>. </p> <p>The asbestos likely found its way onto the street after thieves broke into the old school to steal piping. Because much of the piping in the school was lined with asbestos insulation, the covering was likely ripped off of the pipes and left behind on the street during the robbery. </p> <p>Superintendent of Schools Cynthia Bianco said that appropriate actions would be taken to clean up the area and make it safe for children to play near. However, parents are nonetheless worried that their children may have inhaled dangerous amounts of asbestos that could lead to the development of deadly illnesses like mesothelioma and asbestosis later in their lives. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and since has developed mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos Bribe Results in Conspiracy Charge for Town Supervisor</h1> <p>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 22:10:00 -0400</p> <p>The supervisor of a Michigan township has pled guilty to taking a bribe in return for his support of an asbestos abatement contract for a demolition project. </p> <p>Royal Oak Township Supervisor William Morgan pled guilty to two charges of conspiracy after he was found to have taken a $10,000 bribe so he would attempt to win a $170,000 U.S. Housing and Urban Development contract to demolish vacated buildings. Morgan submitted a false report about asbestos that needed to be removed from a vacated Detroit theater. </p> <p>By submitting false reports, Morgan not only complicated the ability to safely remove mesothelioma causing asbestos products from Royal Oak Township, but also could have unfairly taken money that could have been more effectively used to reduce the mesothelioma risk in other towns instead. </p> <p>“The conduct in this case not only breached the public trust, but it also risked public health by evading the rules for removing asbestos safely," said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, according to the <em><a href="http://www.freep.com/article/20120326/NEWS03/120326066/Royal-Oak-Township-corruption" target="_blank">Detroit Free Press</a></em>. </p> <p>Morgan will be sentenced later this year. He faces up to 10 years in prison, as well as a $250,000 fine. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma that can be linked to asbestos exposure, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Lawsuit Against Colgate Will Continue</h1> <p>Wed, 28 Mar 2012 16:01:00 -0400</p> A mesothelioma lawsuit that alleges a Colgate-Palmolive cosmetic product containing asbestos led to the development of the deadly cancer in a woman will be allowed to proceed, a New York judge has ruled. <br /><br />Arlene Feinberg alleges in a mesothelioma lawsuit filed by she and her husband that her use of against the cosmetic company’s Cashmere Bouquet talcum powder from the 1950s until the 1980s led to her eventual development of mesothelioma. <br /><br />The lawsuit states that the talcum powder contained asbestos, and included a failure-to-warn claim that says the product should have had a warning to consumers that it could contain such a dangerous substance. <br /><br />While Colgate tried to have the Feinberg’s lawsuit dismissed, claiming that the Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act that was enacted in 1997 and regulates the labeling of products frees them from any liability. However, Manhattan Supreme Court Justice Sherry Klein Heitler disagreed and stated in her February 22 ruling that the law does not apply to injuries sustained before 1997. <br /><br />"Colgate's motion must be denied because it seeks to apply the 1997 pre-emption clause to events that had their genesis more than 45 years before it existed, and which ceased to occur almost 20 years before Congress sought to legislate the labeling of cosmetic products," she wrote, according to the <a href="http://www.law.com/jsp/pa/index.jsp" target="_blank"><em>Legal Intelligencer</em></a> (subscription required). <br /><br />If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now suffers from mesothelioma, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. <br /> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Lawsuit Over Secondhand Asbestos Exposure Reinstated</h1> <p>Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:35:00 -0400</p> <p>A mesothelioma lawsuit that alleges a woman’s diagnosis was caused by secondhand asbestos exposure will be allowed to continue, following a recent Illinois Supreme Court decision. </p> <p>Annette Simpkins passed away from mesothelioma in 2007, the same year that a mesothelioma claim she had brought against CSX Transportation was initially dismissed. The mesothelioma lawsuit had alleged that Simpkins’ husband had regularly tracked asbestos dust into their home after working for CSX during the 1960s. </p> <p>Simpkins regularly did her husband’s laundry, which she alleged was covered in asbestos fibers, the <em><a href="http://www.bizjournals.com/stlouis/news/2012/03/23/illinois-supreme-court-rules-wife-of.html" target="_blank">St. Louis Business Journal</a></em> reported. </p> <p>In a recent state Supreme Court decision regarding whether or not to reinstate Simpkins’ mesothelioma lawsuit against CSX, a majority of the justices ruled that a company dealing with asbestos products is obligated to properly warn employees about the dangers of secondhand asbestos exposure and taking the dangerous fibers in their clothes. </p> <p>Simpkins mesothelioma lawsuit was reinstated and will be tried in a Madison County court. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma due to secondhand asbestos exposure, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Claims Life of Famed Mountaineer Lincoln Hall</h1> <p>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 16:18:00 -0400</p> <p>Famed mountaineer Lincoln Hall, who is known for his dramatic rescue from the near-summit of Everest in 2006, has passed away at the age of 56 from mesothelioma that was likely caused by asbestos exposure he experienced during his youth. </p> <p>Hall was world-renowned for the many mountains he climbed around the world and the role he served as the director of the Australian Himalayan Foundation. However, he gained another level of notoriety in 2006 when he passed out from oxygen deprivation on his way down from the peak of Everest. He was found by another group of mountaineers the next morning and rescued. </p> <p>Hall’s mesothelioma diagnosis was linked to asbestos exposure he likely suffered during his youth when he helped his father build cubby houses out of asbestos cement flat sheets in 1965 and 1966, the <a href="http://www.smh.com.au/national/adventurer-who-survived-everest-dies-from-asbestos-exposure-20120321-1vkdh.html#ixzz1pmtvWHVs" target="_blank"><em>Sydney Morning Herald</em></a> reported.</p> <p>"Lincoln was an amazing human being," friend and spokesman Simon Balderstone said, according to the <a href="http://www.boston.com/news/world/asia/articles/2012/03/21/lincoln_hall_mountaineer_left_on_everest_dies/" target="_blank"><em>AP</em></a>."The world was such a better place for his presence and now so much the poorer for his absence." </p> <p>Mesothelioma can form decades after the initial asbestos exposure that caused the deadly illness. If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and now is suffering from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Nassau Coliseum Investigated for Mesothelioma Risk by OSHA</h1> <p>Mon, 26 Mar 2012 15:24:00 -0400</p> <p> A New York City-area stadium that houses an NHL franchise and hosts a number of public events is under investigation by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) after concerns that asbestos in the building is causing building employees to develop mesothelioma. </p> <p>Federal investigators from OSHA opened an investigation regarding the ‘violation of workplace health and safety standards” due to possible asbestos exposure that workers at the Nassau Veterans Memorial Coliseum in Long Island, NY have been experiencing for years. The investigation was spurred by the complaints of about a dozen Coliseum workers who allegedly provided photos of a white asbestos-like substance in the building’s boiler room, <em><a href="http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/local/Asbestos-Investigation-Nassau-Coliseum-Islanders-Long-Island.html" target="_blank">NBC New York</a></em> reported. </p> <p>Testing of the white substance confirmed that there were potentially dangerous levels of asbestos in the arena. The workers added that two of their former workers have developed mesothelioma. </p> <p>In addition to hosting family events such as Ringling Brothers and Barnum and Bailey Circus, Nassau Coliseum is also home to the NHL’s New York Islanders. Team Senior Vice President Michael Picker told NBC that the asbestos claims would be properly investigated. </p> <p>"The Islanders expect that the building owner, Nassau county and the building facility manager, SMG, will review the allegations and take any and all appropriate action. The safety of our fans, players and employees is paramount," he said. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos and since developed mesothelioma, there are legal options at your disposal. Call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim against the parties that caused your illness.</p> <p>Photo courtesy of IMatthew via <a href="http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Islander_game.jpeg" target="_blank">Wikimedia Commons</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Asbestos Brake Ban Aims to Reduce Mesothelioma</h1> <p>Sat, 24 Mar 2012 13:06:00 -0400</p> <p>A member of Ontario, Canada’s provincial parliament has introduced a bill that would ban the use of asbestos brake pads in an attempt to reduce the dangerous mesothelioma risk that mechanics currently face. </p> <p>According to the <a href="http://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/story/2012/03/20/asbestos-brake-ban-proposal-ontario.html" target="_blank"><em>CBC</em></a>, Guelph MPP Liz Sandals introduced the bill, which would block the ability for asbestos brake pads to be imported into the province and enter the market. The law would be the first to block the use of asbestos brake pads in either the United States or Canada. Statistics Canada has found that more than $2.6 million worth of asbestos brake pads were imported into Canada in 2011. </p> <p>In addition to the mesothelioma danger that asbestos brake pads can cause the drivers of vehicles they are installed in, the brake pads also can be extremely dangerous to mechanics who must change them when they are worn down and potentially releasing asbestos fibers into the air. </p> <p>"Once the dust is in that general environment there's going to be things that disturb it back into the air," said Paul Demers, the director of the Occupational Cancer Research Centre. "The best idea is to get rid of asbestos-containing products." </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been exposed to dangerous asbestos products and now suffer from mesothelioma, call Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Young Firefighter Diagnosed with Pleural Mesothelioma</h1> <p>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 14:43:00 -0400</p> <p>Mesothelioma is a deadly form of cancer that can affect anyone who has been exposed to any level of asbestos throughout their life. While older people tend to most be diagnosed with the illnesses in most cases, Jonathan Smith is sadly an exception to that. </p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.nbc29.com/story/17178949/community-steps-up-in-firefighters-fight-against-cancer" target="_blank"><em>WVIR-TV</em></a>, Charlotteville, VA’s NBC affiliate, 29-year-old Smith has been a firefighter for the Stuarts Draft Fire Department for six years. Last October, he was made a full-time firefighter at Augusta County’s Company 10. </p> <p>Sadly, the promotion came months after he had begun suffering from a nagging cough and weakness in early 2011 that led to his decision to go to a doctor for tests. The tests revealed that Smith was suffering from stage-four pleural mesothelioma. </p> <p>While it is difficult to truly know if Smith was exposed to significant amounts of asbestos during his years as a firefighter, doctors estimated that his mesothelioma diagnosis may have been caused by asbestos exposure he suffered as child. </p> <p>In the five months since his diagnosis, Smith has undergone two rounds of chemotherapy treatments. His fellow firefighters have also sacrificed vacation time so he can remain employed and keep his insurance for another month, while also partnering with the sheriff’s department to put on a golf tournament to fund his escalating medical bills. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos, there are legal options at your disposal. Contact Sokolove Law today for a free legal consultation to learn about what it takes to pursue a mesothelioma lawsuit. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Baking Paper Sheets Used To Pose Mesothelioma Risk</h1> <p>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:23:00 -0400</p> <p> For much of the 20th century, asbestos was used in a countless number of products because of its ability to act as a fire retardant. While asbestos was initially used in construction projects, its popularity spread as it began to be used in consumer products such as cigarette filters, protective clothing and even cooking supplies. </p> <p>At the height of its use, asbestos was considered the best way to prevent fire damage. Capitalizing on this understanding, companies like the George E. Thomas Manufacturing Company of Memphis, Tennessee began marketing asbestos products for the chefs, including ‘Asbestos Baking Paper Sheets.’ </p> <p>In 1903, around the time the product was introduced, little was known about exactly how dangerous asbestos was for our health. The first recorded case of asbestosis would not occur for another two decades. Even after that, it would still be some time until asbestos and other diseases like mesothelioma would not be linked. Asbestos use would not truly fall from favor in the U.S. until the 1980s. </p> <p>An advertisement for the asbestos baking sheets says that the sheets were designed to prevent professional and amateur chefs from burning breads, fish, meat and other foods while they baked in the oven. At this time, many stoves were still coal or wood fired so temperature regulation was difficult. </p> <p>As is the case with most advertisements for asbestos related products, ads for the baking sheets presented them as the miracle remedy for a problem. The company claimed that by putting the sheet on top of browned food, the chef could prevent further charring while allowing the food to cook thoroughly. </p> </article> <article> <h1>Mesothelioma Risk to be Removed from Granite City Schools</h1> <p>Fri, 23 Mar 2012 12:15:00 -0400</p> <p>Schools in Granite City, Illinois will finally be safer and pose less of a mesothelioma risk for students and teachers alike, as asbestos abatement will occur at the schools over the next two summers. </p> <p>According to <a href="http://www.stltoday.com/suburban-journals/illinois/education/final-asbestos-cleanup-approved-for-granite-city-schools/article_7a845979-199d-5786-92db-c56ca73ca379.html#ixzz1pigcMbiV" target="_blank"><em>St. Louis Today’s Suburban Journals</em></a>, the school board for Granite City recently voted to award $893,351 in contracts to remove asbestos floor tiles containing asbestos at six elementary and middle schools in the district. </p> <p>The money for the abatement will come from $6 million in building improvement bonds that were approved by school board last spring. </p> <p>In total, about 200,000 square feet of the asbestos tile will be replaced over the next two summers. It is the latest asbestos abatement project for the school district, which first began removing asbestos products from its schools in the late 1980s. </p> <p>If you or a loved one has developed mesothelioma following years of asbestos exposure, contact Sokolove Law today to learn more about pursuing a mesothelioma claim. </p> </article> </main></body></html>