Father and Son Sentenced For Environmental Crimes

Rather than following the legal requirements for the proper removal and disposal of asbestos in order to make sure that this toxic substance was not released into the environment, the Salvagnos used illegal “rip and run” techniques to remove the asbestos, releasing what former AAR workers described at the trial as indoor “snow storms” of asbestos. To conceal his crimes Alexander Salvagnos secretly and illegally co-owned an accredited laboratory, Analytical Laboratories of Albany Inc., which colluded with AR to create up to 75,000 fraudulent laboratory analysis results. Some false sample results were termed “890 samples,” which air monitors created by holding air cassettes out the window as they drove down Interstate 890 in the Albany, NY area. Other results were changed in the laboratory. These false lab results were used to defraud clients into believing that buildings that AAR had “remediated” were free of harmful levels of asbestos.

W.R. Grace and Executives Charged with Fraud, Obstruction of Justice, and Endangering Libby, Montana Community

According to the indictment, W.R. Grace and its executives, as far back as the 1970’s, attempted to conceal information about the adverse health effects of the company’s vermiculite mining operations and distribution of vermiculite in the Libby, Montana community. The defendants are also accused of obstructing the government’s cleanup efforts and wire fraud. To date, according to the indictment, approximately 1,200 residents of Libby area have been identified as suffering from some kind of asbestos-related abnormality.

Custodians file suit against UNLV

John T. Giordano, 54, and Gerald Babcock,63, noticed shortness of breath and a lack of endurance after working as custodians at UNLV.

The men have been diagnosed with asbestosis, an incurable scarring of the lung tissue known to cause shortness of breath and persistent coughing. It can lead to cancer such as mesothelioma, a cancer only caused by asbestos exposure.

Giordano, now retired, filed in November a District Court lawsuit against UNLV alleging the institution knowingly allowed workers to clean asbestos fibers without proper safety equipment or training, according to the Review-Journal. About 40 plaintiffs have now joined the suit, the custodians' attorney told the R-J.

Jury selection under way for asbestos trial

Willard King, age 77, was diagnosed with mesothelioma on May 5, 2004, claiming contamination through the rebuilding, repairing, servicing and maintenance of farm equipment and automobiles from 1950 through 1987. The Kings blame Bondex, Georgia Pacific, John Crane, and RPM Inc. and Lynn Tractor and Equipment Company--familiar defendants in Madison County.

Asbestos lawsuits Digest 2005

Feb 22- Political Gateway- The House and Seante approved a bill that the President signed. The Bill was designed to limit 'frivolous' class action suits like those for asbestos. Below find some relevant links and data. From the politicians bally-hooeing the bill to the 200 residents of Montana who died from Asbestos due to WR Grace.

The case against Grace

The Hamster Study revealed that 10 hamsters died of mesothelioma, a tumorous cancer, after exposure to tremolite asbestos fibers found in Libby vermiculite. The indictment claims Grace hired a consultant to remove statements in the study that linked the tumors to asbestos. The results were never published.

Fraud looms as a threat to search-engine advertising growth

The cost of prized search terms runs much higher. For instance, the top price for mesothelioma, a cancer that spurred lawsuits linking the illness to asbestos exposure, recently was $51 per click, Fathom said.

Legal Guide

The first thing to remember is that it is very important to find a lawyer as soon as possible after diagnosis. This is because there is a statue of limitation from state to state, which means that there is a time limit set with regards to how long you have got to take action. Failing to adhere to this could render your case ineligible, and you could miss out on a hefty payout which could help you and your family through this difficult time.