Mesothelioma Victim Urges James Hardie To Face Up To Responsibilities -- MesoLink.org -- 08-20-04

A 56-year-old Australian mesothelioma victim has urged products manufacturer, James Hardie, to face up to its responsibilities and pay the compensation that is due to mesothelioma and asbestos-related disease victims.

Greg Hayes was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2001 after working on roofing materials several decades earlier. He was unaware at that time that asbestos dust was hazardous. Upon diagnosis Mr Hayes was told that he had just 3-18 months to live, but has managed to survive until now and still feels strong.

Mr Hayes has already received his compensation in the form of a considerable out of court settlement from James Hardie through the Dust Diseases Tribunal.

However, the manufacturer still has many claims to settle and the issue of lack of funds has arisen.

Mr Hayes’ lawyer has stated: "James Hardie has a moral and legal responsibility to make sure these people are fairly compensated and that it has enough funds to do so. "They can't sit by and simply wash their hands of this."

Mr Hayes added: "I've had the opportunity to find other avenues to keep myself going and I believe everyone else should have the same opportunity. That's what I'm fighting for. I'm not a militant person but I think it's a moral issue."