Hate Mail New Issue for Asbestos Victims
Article Added July 23rd, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
Asbestos victims suffer from debilitating diseases, high medical bills and the thought that their life may soon be coming to a close. But a new issue has asbestos victims worried; hate mail.
Australian asbestos victim Bernie Banton has been through a lot while he has battled for compensation from James Hardie. While he has struggled with his own case of mesothelioma, he has been standing up to long court battles for other victims to receive compensation. Amid his other concerns is a new fear – he has been receiving hate male. Before the case was brought to national attention, Banton first was laughed at when he approached Hardie Industries; now people are making it more personal by sending threatening letters to his home.
Letters have included insults, calling Banton a blubberer, bottom feeder and a low life for asking for more than the initial $300 million proposed for the fund. Though Banton received a payout in 2001, the financial burden he has experienced made him act on the behalf of others in need of help. Now he is fighting with Hardie Industry, attempting to get a tax issue resolved so that victims can receive payouts as soon as possible; the hate mail has slackened off, but the emotional scar of it is still very real to those continuing the fight.
Article Added July 23rd, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
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