Asbestos compensation review

Western Australians who have developed an asbestos related disease such as asbestosis or mesothelioma could see receive further compensation thanks to a new review by the state government.

The WA laws are well below the rest of the states in Australia, and the unions have welcomed the move. This would see victims receiving further compensation if they have been diagnosed with a more serious injury or disease that they have already received a payment for.

Under the current WA legislation, if a victim has received compensation for say, Asbestosis they are unable to further claim if later on they also develop mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease.

What is Mesothelioma?

Malignant mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer which is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. This devastating disease attacks the mesothelium, the protective membrane that covers the lungs, abdomen, and heart.

WA has had a long, profitable history of asbestos mining resulting in many workers contracting asbestos related diseases such as asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and plural plaques.

What is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a non-malignant lung disease caused by inhalation of asbestos dust. When a person is exposed to asbestos for a prolonged period, he or she will breathe in millions of tiny asbestos fibers. Over time, these microscopic fibers become lodged in the lung tissue.

Asbestosis is a disease that worsens over time. In its advanced stages, it is a disabling condition, and can even be fatal. Like mesothelioma, asbestosis has a long latency period. Typically, symptoms do not appear for at least 15 to 20 years after the first exposure to asbestos.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the lung.  The lungs are two spongy organs in the chest that take in oxygen when a person inhales and release carbon dioxide when a person exhales. Lung cancer is amongst the leading cause of cancer deaths and exposure to asbestos is the second-leading cause of all lung cancers.

What is Plural Plaques?

Pleural plaques are areas of scarring on the pleura, which is the membrane surrounding the lungs and lining the inside of the rib cage. The scarring is caused by asbestos fibres which lodge into the Pleura. Pleural plaques may appear in those who have had limited or intermittent exposure to asbestos.

Pleural plaques cannot change into cancer and has a benign nature.

AMAA is here to help

If you are diagnosed with an asbestos related disease, please contact Nic at AMAA on 1800 017 758 to find out how AMAA can help you provide support, assistance and guidance.