Exposed to asbestos or silica dust?

Carter Hawkins is a law firm which specialises in representing individuals and families affected by asbestos, silica and other dust exposure.

Today (Monday 14 September) they will be a hosting a free information seminar and afternoon tea at Mullumbimby, for people whose health has been impacted by dust-related health conditions.

The Echo caught up with Isabella Nati from Carter Hawkins to find out more. She said it was rewarding to pursue justice for those whose lives have been irrevocably changed.

‘We get to meet the most beautiful people and help them in a time that’s really tough, for them and their families.’

Ms Nati works at the firm with her colleague, principal lawyer Jacqueline Hughes, who will also be at the Mullumbimby event. Their firm is named after two former clients, Bob Carter and Paul Hawkins, who were unknowingly exposed to asbestos during their working lives, and subsequently died of mesothelioma.

She says that although James Hardie stopped manufacturing asbestos products decades ago, there are still many cases emerging. Impacts go well beyond individual workers, affecting families and whole communities in some cases, such as at Baryulgil and Wittenoom.

As Isabella Nati explains, ‘Mesothelioma gets quite a bit of press because it’s so shocking and can happen from one fibre, but there are also many older men who’ve worked as builders their whole lives, and have a cough, or shortness of breath. They just think, “Oh, I’m getting older,” but then they have a CT scan, and it shows an asbestos disease.
‘These conditions often go undiagnosed because older people can be a bit stoic.’

Who’s most at risk?

‘We see a lot carpenters, plumbers, electricians – pretty much anyone who did demolition or labouring work. We’ve also got stonemasons who worked with engineered stone bench tops, although fortunately the high silica content stone has been banned now.

‘The navy has been a huge source of asbestos exposure. There’s also the merchant navy. It’s pretty much everywhere, unfortunately,’ said Ms Nati.

‘In terms of silicosis, we’re seeing people working on the new tunnels and metro stations in Sydney where there’s such a high silica content from the sandstone that they’re excavating. They’re inhaling incredible amounts of silica dust. Concrete, sand and gravel also contain lots of silica.’

Is it true that partners and families can get sick from handling asbestos-contaminated clothes or equipment? ‘Yes, we’ve had a few unfortunate cases where the wife has gone on to develop mesothelioma or other asbestos diseases from washing clothes.

‘We’ve also had cases where we’ve acted for school teachers who’ve been working at schools during holidays when there’s been construction work happening, and they’ve been exposed. Then there are people who did their own car brake work; they were asbestos-lined until the early 2000s.’

Raising awareness, getting help

With millions of tonnes of toxic fibres remaining in the built environment, Australia is the highest per capita user of asbestos in the world, with many former workers across multiple dust-exposed occupations suffering in silence.

Carter Hawkins are able to assist with claims through the Dust Diseases Tribunal and the Dust Diseases Board (iCARE), guiding clients through what can be a complex and emotional process.

‘If you or a family member has had significant asbestos or dust exposure, then it’s definitely worthwhile checking it out,’ said Isabella Nati. ‘You may have compensation and entitlements available. We’d love to help you access those.’

The free information seminar and afternoon tea will be happening at the Mullumbimby Ex-Services Club at 58 Dalley Street on Monday, 14 September, from 1.30pm.

There’s no need to RSVP for the event, which will include opportunities to share stories and get advice. You can ring Carter Hawkins on 1800 245 299 to learn more.