11-27-2007, 06:47 PM
Quote:
Last Thursday, Mr Banton won a confidential payout as compensation for his terminal mesothelioma, after he was awarded $800,000 compensation for asbestosis in 2000.
The case was settled early to finalise it in Mr Banton's lifetime, give him some closure and provide a leg-up to other asbestos victims in claiming similar exemplary damages.
Mr Banton's lawyer Tanya Segelov said the case was a first for the $4 billion James Hardie compensation fund.
"I think it does set a precedent in that he was the first person to come back for further damages," she said.
"I've many more cases on the same lines. Bernie received a lot of publicity because of who he was, but there are hundreds of people diagnosed with mesothelioma every year."
The case was settled early to finalise it in Mr Banton's lifetime, give him some closure and provide a leg-up to other asbestos victims in claiming similar exemplary damages.
Mr Banton's lawyer Tanya Segelov said the case was a first for the $4 billion James Hardie compensation fund.
"I think it does set a precedent in that he was the first person to come back for further damages," she said.
"I've many more cases on the same lines. Bernie received a lot of publicity because of who he was, but there are hundreds of people diagnosed with mesothelioma every year."
http://www.news.com.au/story/0,23599,22828491-2,00.html
It is wonderful that he was offered and accepted a State Funeral 
RIP Bernie. You were a fighter and will always be remembered.