A long serving Australian primary school teacher tragically developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos in a regional Victorian primary school. The case is a reminder to Victorian teachers and others in the community to be conscious of the dangers of asbestos – a building product that is now banned but is still present throughout Australia, particularly in fibro cement sheeting and roofing materials.

Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by asbestos exposure, occurring more frequently in Australia than anywhere else in the world. It can take many years to develop and most commonly develops in the membrane that covers the chest wall and lungs. It has a poor prognosis with less than 5% of sufferers living for more than 5 years after diagnosis.

Adviceline injury lawyers recently acted for the above primary school teacher who was exposed to asbestos when renovations were done to a Victorian primary school in 1991. These works released asbestos fibres into the atmosphere as did additional works involving cutting an access doorway into an adjoining portable building which was lined with fibro cement sheeting.

The case is a reminder that even minimal asbestos exposure can be potentially extremely harmful. Teachers and others should be aware of the potential for older buildings to contain asbestos and ensure that any renovations are conducted appropriately. Any exposure to asbestos should be immediately reported and a full medical assessment including chest x-rays, should be undertaken.

Legal entitlements may be recoverable for an asbestos related injury. Adviceline injury lawyers assisted this teacher to recover compensation for her injury. It is necessary for decisive legal action to be taken quickly following the diagnosis of an asbestos related illness. If you would like more information or advice on this issue please contact Michael Schaefer or Alice O’Connell of Adviceline injury lawyers on 9321 9723.