Asbestos-related Diseases: A Growing Crisis

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News Summary

Recent deaths from asbestos-related diseases, including malignant mesothelioma, highlight the ongoing asbestos crisis. Families like that of Graham Colclough and Bryan Curtis mourn their losses, as they seek accountability from corporations employing evasive bankruptcy tactics, exacerbating the suffering of victims. Advocacy efforts are gaining momentum against such practices in hope of achieving justice.

Tragic Losses Shine Light on Growing Asbestos Crisis

The ongoing battle against asbestos-related diseases has taken a heartbreaking turn in recent weeks, as families mourn the losses of their loved ones due to malignant mesothelioma, an insidious form of cancer linked to asbestos exposure. Graham Colclough, a 74-year-old North Shields resident, recently succumbed to this devastating disease on October 21 of the previous year.

Colclough’s tragic journey began in the 1970s when he worked in various jobs, including removing old kitchens and ovens. This line of work inevitably exposed him to asbestos, a known carcinogen. After two to three years under the care of an oncologist, he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, with the acting Senior Coroner, Karin Welsh, attributing his death to “industrial disease.” He spent his final days at Seaview nursing home in Whitley Bay, surrounded by compassionate care.

Remembering Graham Colclough

In the wake of his passing, tributes poured in for Colclough, hailed as “one of a kind” and “a brilliant man.” Friends and family remember him not only for his infectious spirit but also for his unwavering willingness to assist others in their time of need.

Another Life Cut Short

Asbestos exposure also claimed the life of Bryan Curtis, an 85-year-old former civil servant from Killingworth, who died after battling an asbestos-related cancer. Curtis had a long and dedicated career with the Ministry of Pensions and National Insurance from 1956 to 1998, spending significant time reconfiguring office spaces at the Longbenton office and in Newcastle.

After experiencing life-threatening symptoms, including breathlessness during simple activities like walking and gardening, Curtis was diagnosed in February 2022 and passed away in April 2023. His daughter, Sharon, is determined to uncover the truth about her father’s exposure to asbestos in the workplace. She is actively seeking information from his former colleagues about working conditions during that time.

The North Carolina Asbestos Crisis

As these personal tragedies unfold, a broader crisis looms in states such as North Carolina, where over 1,000 residents have died from asbestosis or mesothelioma. The state holds a grim distinction, ranking 13th nationwide for asbestos-related deaths. The correlation can be attributed to extensive asbestos use in military bases and a variety of industries throughout the years.

Compounding this tragedy is the disturbing trend of corporate strategies designed to evade accountability for asbestos-related claims. Known as the Texas Two-Step, companies have been utilizing corruption within bankruptcy courts in Charlotte to create subsidiaries that can file for bankruptcy, effectively halting ongoing lawsuits regarding asbestos exposure. Major players like Georgia-Pacific, Trane Technologies, and CertainTeed have adopted this tactic, despite their ongoing profitability.

A Call for Accountability

The consequences of this troubling trend are profound, with thousands of lawsuits related to asbestos exposure languishing in the courts. The suffering of victims and their families continues as the judicial process is bogged down. Advocacy against the Texas Two-Step is gaining momentum, garnering attention from state attorneys general and U.S. senators who argue that this strategy undermines corporate accountability.

The dangerous legacy of asbestos exposure looms large, with the material having been widely used in construction prior to the 1970s. As families like those of Graham Colclough and Bryan Curtis continue to suffer, the imperative for change and accountability in the arena of asbestos exposure has never been more urgent.