OSHA Cites Company for Asbestos Violations

Posted on October 1, 2016 by Admin

OSHA Cites A.M. Castle for Asbestos Violations U.S. safety regulators are planning to issue a fine of $127,600 against A.M. Castle and Company, an Oak Brook-based specialty metal and plastic products distributor, after they found the company exposed workers to dangerous asbestos fibers during insulation removal at a Franklin Park site. The OSHA (Occupational Safety & Health Administration) investigators say the company exposed workers to asbestos without any safety precautions. OSHA has cited A.M. Castle for 22 serious safety violations following an investigation that was conducted after receiving a complaint. Diane Turek, the director of OSHA’s Des Plaines office, said not taking adequate precautions during asbestos removal would put workers at the risk of developing severe respirat ory and other diseases. A spokesperson for A.M. Castle said the company completely cooperated with OSHA during the investigation. He said the company would meet the regulators and discuss the findings. “A.M. Castle is dedicated to safety of the workers. The company has decided to fix whatever issues uncovered by OSHA,” the company spokesman said.

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Independent Cancer Research Foundation Gets Money

Posted on September 30, 2016 by Admin

The Truth About Cancer Makes Generous Donation to Independent Cancer Research Foundation TTAC Publishing LLC and TheTruthAboutCancer.com donate a portion of all sales from new docu-series, “The Quest for the Cures,” to fund the Independent Cancer Research Foundation mission. Austin, TX – August 30 – On August 22, 2014, Ty Bollinger, host of docu-series, “The Quest for The Cures,” and his family, presented a check on behalf of TTAC Publishing LLC and TheTruthAboutCancer.com to the Independent Cancer Research Foundation. Accepting the check on behalf of the Foundation was Gary Teal, Board President and Board Members Webster Kehr and Reggie Black. The donation was for more than $13,000 and represented a portion of all sales from the new series, which launched in May 2014. Funds are earmarked for current and future research projects. “I am honored to be able to present a donation to the Independent Cancer Research Foundation,” said Bollinger. “It is bec ause of our supporters, who have embraced our new docu-series, ‘The Quest for The Cures,’ that we are able to fund missions that are in-line with our own. The ICRF researches real cancer treatments and real cancer cures, and we are excited to support their efforts. It is our mission to bring awareness and hope to those suffering from cancer, because research has proven that there are effective alternatives to chemotherapy and radiation.” After losing seven family members to cancer, including his mother and father, Bollinger refused to accept the notion that chemotherapy, radiation and surgery were the most effective treatments available for cancer patients. While researching alternative treatments, Bollinger made shocking discoveries about cancer and the medical industry. This fueled his personal passion to educate anyone affected by cancer on alternative cures and breakthroughs. He has decided to make this personal quest his life-long journey, sharing his knowledge with othe rs; mainly that the vast majority of all diseases, including cancer, can be prevented and even cured without drugs or surgery. “On behalf of the ICRF, we are very grateful to be part of The Truth About Cancer’s mission,” said Gary Teal, President of the Independent Cancer Research Foundation. “In my 19 years of experience in alternative medicine, I have found many patients that are looking for treatments outside of the mainstream. As a nonprofit organization, we rely heavily on the support of donations to fund our efforts to support those patients. These funds will greatly impact current and future research.” “The Quest for The Cures” is a cutting-edge documentary series, aimed at exposing the truth about cancer. Bollinger travels across the United States, interviewing more than 25 of the foremost doctors, researchers, experts and survivors to find out their proven non-toxic methods for preventing and treating cancer. An eye-opening investigative report, “The Qu est for The Cures” is a collection of several different episodes, each containing valuable and well-documented research. Starting out with a broad explanation in episode one, The Cancer Pandemic, the series continues to take viewers on a journey exploring franken-foods, environmental toxins, proven prevention methods and cures, and ends with testimony from physicians and survivors. TheTruthAboutCancer.com was created to educate the masses on natural, non-toxic cancer treatments. The docu-series interviews the nation’s leading physicians that are successfully using these life-saving practices today. In addition TheTruthAboutCancer.com exposes the “business of cancer,” which forces patients to continue outdated and overpriced toxic treatments – profitable to the pharmaceutical industry. Its ultimate goal is to eradicate cancer, by providing free knowledge to those searching for cures, with the primary mission being education and awareness on cancer prevention and alternati ve cancer treatments. For more information about “The Quest for The Cures,” please visit: http://www.thetruthaboutcancer.com and follow them on Facebook here: http://www.facebook.com/thetruthaboutcancer and Twitter @truthaboutbigc. For more information about the ICRF donation visit: http://www.thetruthaboutcancer.com/icrf. Contact Information Ty Bollinger TTAC Publishing LLC http://www.thetruthaboutcancer.com +1 2088524093

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Mesothelioma Gives Stem Cells A Bad Name

Posted on September 29, 2016 by Admin

Verastem Announces Initiation of COMMAND Study in Japan Japanese Investigative Sites Join International Trial of VS-6063 for Patients with Mesothelioma — Allowance by the PMDA Enables Verastem to Pursue Parallel Development in the Major Markets Worldwide – CAMBRIDGE, MA – May 12 — Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ:VSTM), focused on discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the targeted killing of cancer stem cells, today announced the expansion of its ongoing COMMAND study to include clinical trial sites in Japan. COMMAND is a registration-directed trial evaluating the Company’s lead candidate targeting cancer stem cells, VS-6063 (defactinib) a potent inhibitor of focal adhesion kinase (FAK), in patients with malignant pleural mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is a highly aggressive form of lung cancer and a high percentage of cases contain cancer stem cells. With the inclusion of Japan, COMMAND is now accruing patients and pursuing parallel clinical develop ment in the major markets worldwide. “The incidence of mesothelioma, among the most aggressive and lethal cancers, is rapidly increasing in Japan and the survival rate for these patients is extremely poor,” said Professor Takashi Nakano, M.D., Ph.D., Chief Professor and Chairman, Department of Thoracic Oncology, Hyogo College of Medicine. ”New treatment options for patients with mesothelioma are urgently needed.” “Typically the Japanese development of novel oncology agents is delayed compared to the rest of the world,” said Professor Kazuhiko Nakagawa, M.D., Ph.D., Professor, Department of Medical Oncology, Kinki University Faculty of Medicine. “We were able to initiate and complete the Phase 1 assessment of VS-6063 in less than a year. By completing the trial so quickly, the ongoing COMMAND study can now include Japanese clinical sites in parallel with the other major countries participating in the trial.” Verastem recently reported the successful outcome of its Phase 1 trial of VS-6063 in Japanese patients with advanced solid tumors. The study results demonstrated that VS-6063 was well tolerated at all three dose levels tested. The data were consistent with the results from the US Phase 1 trial and there were no serious adverse events or evidence of dose-limiting toxicity. These results supported the Company’s application to the Japanese PMDA for the initiation of clinical trial sites to evaluate VS-6063 in Japanese patients with mesothelioma. “COMMAND is now open for patient enrollment at multiple sites in Japan,” said Dr. Joanna Horobin, Verastem Chief Medical Officer. “An important element of our overall global development strategy for VS-6063 is to pursue a path toward registration in Japan in parallel with our development efforts worldwide. We are committed to developing new treatments that can potentially make a meaningful difference in the lives of patients suffering with this deadly disease.” About Malignant Ple ural Mesothelioma Malignant pleural mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer that occurs in the mesothelium, the thin layer of tissue that covers the lungs. Mesothelioma is associated with exposure to asbestos in most cases. According to the World Health Organization, there are a total of 59,000 cases of mesothelioma worldwide each year. Most mesotheliomas begin as one or more nodules that progressively grow to form a solid coating of tumor surrounding the lung leading to eventual suffocation and death. A high percentage of mesotheliomas contain cancer stem cells which are generally resistant to the currently available treatment options for mesothelioma. About COMMAND COMMAND is a registration-directed, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of VS-6063 with Progression Free Survival (PFS) and Overall Survival (OS) as the primary endpoints. VS-6063 targets cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor progression and recurrence. The design of COM MAND allows the opportunity to enrich for patients with tumors low in the biomarker, merlin Preclinical and early clinical research has demonstrated that low merlin levels may be predictive of increased effectiveness of FAK inhibitors such as VS-6063. The COMMAND study stratifies patients to evaluate the effect of VS-6063 in both the overall patient population and the subgroup of patients whose tumors are low in merlin. COMMAND is expected to enroll approximately 350-400 patients at clinical sites in 12 countries, including the US, UK, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and countries in mainland Europe. Eligible patients who had a partial response or stable disease following standard first-line therapy with platinum/pemetrexed will be stratified to merlin low or high and then randomized to receive either placebo or 400 mg of defactinib. For more information visit www.COMMANDmeso.com About VS-6063 VS-6063 ( defactinib) is an orally available compound designed to target cancer stem cells through the potent inhibition of focal adhesion kinase (FAK). Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor resistance to chemotherapy, recurrence and ultimate disease progression. Research by Robert Weinberg, Ph.D., scientific cofounder and chair of Verastem’s Scientific Advisory Board, and Verastem has demonstrated that the FAK pathway is critical for the growth and survival of cancer stem cells. VS-6063 is currently being studied in the registration-directed COMMAND trial in mesothelioma (www.COMMANDmeso.com), a Phase 1/1b study in combination with paclitaxel for patients with ovarian cancer and a Phase 2 trial in patients with KRas-mutated non-small cell lung cancer. VS-6063 has been granted orphan drug designation in the U.S. and E.U. for use in mesothelioma. About Verastem, Inc. Verastem, Inc. (NASDAQ: VSTM) is discovering and developing drugs to treat cancer by the target ed killing of cancer stem cells. Cancer stem cells are an underlying cause of tumor recurrence and metastasis. Verastem is developing small molecule inhibitors of signaling pathways that are critical to cancer stem cell survival and proliferation: FAK, PI3K/mTOR and Wnt. For more information, please visit www.verastem.com. Forward-looking statements: This press release includes forward-looking statements about the Company’s strategy, future plans and prospects, including statements regarding the development of the Company’s compounds, including VS-6063, or defactinib, and the Company’s FAK inhibition program, the timeline for clinical development and regulatory approval of the Company’s compounds, the expected timing for the reporting of data from ongoing trials, and the structure of the Company’s planned or pending clinical trials, and potential indications for clinical development. The words “anticipate,” “ap pear,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Each forward-looking statement is subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statement. Applicable risks and uncertainties include the risks that the preclinical testing of the Company’s compounds and preliminary data from clinical trials may not be predictive of the results or success of ongoing or later clinical trials, that data may not be available when we expect it to be, that enrollment of clinical trials may take longer than expected, that the Company will be unable to successfully complete the clinical development of its c ompounds, including VS-6063, that the development of the Company’s compounds will take longer or cost more than planned, and that the Company’s compounds will not receive regulatory approval or become commercially successful products. Other risks and uncertainties include those identified under the heading “Risk Factors” in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2013 and in any subsequent SEC filings. The forward-looking statements contained in this presentation reflect the Company’s current views with respect to future events, and the Company does not undertake and specifically disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements. Verastem, Inc. Brian Sullivan (USA), 617-252-9314 bsullivan@verastem.com or Ambrose Lau (Japan), +81-3-5561-2915 verastemcommand@cosmopr.co.jp

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Woman’s Family Sues Killer Asbestos Companies

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Admin

ST. LOUIS – The family of a deceased woman is suing 44 companies in a lawsuit filed in St. Louis Circuit Court, claiming that she was diagnosed with lung cancer because of her exposure to asbestos during her employment as a laborer with Bussmann Manufacturing Company for more than 10 years. According to the suit, Rodessa Norful worked with Bussmann from 1969 to 1980. The complaint doesn’t say where she was residing at. According to the plaintiffs, the companies exposed Norful to various products containing asbestos regularly during her job. She developed lung cancer on account of her continuous exposure to the hazardous mineral, the plaintiffs allege. The companies were aware of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, but they didn’t warn Norful or her co-workers, according to the complaint. Norful family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Carboplatin in Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment

Posted on September 28, 2016 by Admin

Carboplatin Shows Substantial Promise in Peritoneal Mesothelioma Treatment, Baron and Budd Reports Study Indicates Carboplatin Can Deliver Superior Performance When Compared to Other Chemotherapy Drugs Los Angeles, CA – June 19 – A study conducted by a surgical team at Creighton University Medical Center in Omaha, Nebraska published April 8, 2014, has shown what researchers believe is the correct chemotherapy drug to use in conjunction with surgery in patients suffering from peritoneal mesothelioma, reports the national law firm of Baron and Budd. As a result, survival rates may increase substantially. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24887664) A rare form of asbestos cancer, peritoneal mesothelioma attacks the lining of the abdomen. It affects approximately 500 patients a year in the United States and is caused by the ingestion or inhalation of asbestos, according to the study. (http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC1994863/) The typical course of treatment is to eliminate as much cancer as possible using surgery and then using heated chemotherapy drugs to rinse the abdomen. The team of surgeons studied 44 patients who had been treated at Creighton University Medical Center from 2003 to 2010. According to the study, some of the patients were given mitomycin during chemotherapy while the others were treated with carboplatin. Mitomycin is an antibiotic used to fight tumors, while carboplatin is a platinum-based drug. According to the study, of the patients treated with mitomycin, 72 percent lived a year after surgery while 27 percent survived five years or more. Of the patients treated with carboplatin, nearly 90 percent survived one year and nearly 63 percent were still alive at the five-year mark. In addition, patients given mitomycin spent nearly four times longer in intensive care and six days more in the hospital compared to those treated with carboplatin. Those treated with mitomycin also needed more than four times as many blood transfusions. “Advancements in the treatment of different forms of mesothelioma are occurring with more and more regularity, and we couldn’t be happier,” said Russell Budd, managing director of mesothelioma law firm Baron and Budd. “We applaud any finding such as this that will help mesothelioma patients live fuller, longer lives.” For nearly 40 years, the national law firm of Baron and Budd has fought for the rights of mesothelioma patients by holding accountable the companies responsible for their suffering. Give us a call at 866-855-1229 or visit our website at http://www.fightmesothelioma.com to learn how we may be able to help if you or a loved one has contracted this disease. ABOUT BARON & BUDD, P.C. The national mesothelioma law firm of Baron & Budd, P.C. has a more than 30-year history of “Protecting What’s Right” for asbestos sufferers and their families. As one of the first law firms to successfully litigate an asbestos lawsuit, Baron & Budd continues to actively represent veterans, industry workers and others who are suffering as a result of exposure to asbestos. Baron & Budd achieved the largest mesothelioma verdict ever in the state of Texas, a $55 million verdict for an asbestos sufferer and his family in El Paso, Texas. Contact Baron and Budd at 1.866.855.1229 for additional information on mesothelioma treatments, mesothelioma cancer doctors and treatment centers and mesothelioma attorneys. Contact Information Amanda Billo Baron & Budd http://baronandbudd.com +1 (214) 991-1051

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Woman’s Family Sues Killer Asbestos Companies

Posted on September 14, 2016 by Admin

ST. LOUIS – The family of a deceased woman is suing 44 companies in a lawsuit filed in St. Louis Circuit Court, claiming that she was diagnosed with lung cancer because of her exposure to asbestos during her employment as a laborer with Bussmann Manufacturing Company for more than 10 years. According to the suit, Rodessa Norful worked with Bussmann from 1969 to 1980. The complaint doesn’t say where she was residing at. According to the plaintiffs, the companies exposed Norful to various products containing asbestos regularly during her job. She developed lung cancer on account of her continuous exposure to the hazardous mineral, the plaintiffs allege. The companies were aware of the risks associated with exposure to asbestos fibers, but they didn’t warn Norful or her co-workers, according to the complaint. Norful family is seeking compensatory and punitive damages.

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Sugarbaker Says Lymph Nodes Impact Mesothelioma Survival

Posted on August 12, 2016 by Admin

Prominent Doctor’s New Study Says Lymph Nodes May Impact Mesothelioma Surgery Survival, According to Surviving Mesothelioma A top mesothelioma surgeon has released a study that underscores the role that lymph nodes play in survival after radical mesothelioma surgery. Raleigh, NC – September 12 – One of the top practitioners of a radical mesothelioma surgical approach called extrapleural pneumonectomy (EPP) says lymph nodes appear to play an important role in how long patients survived after the procedure. Surviving Mesothelioma has just posted details of the new study. Click here to read the article now. Dr. David Sugarbaker, head of the Lung Institute at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas, and his colleagues studied 529 pleural mesothelioma patients who underwent EPP between 1988 and 2011. Patients with little or no cancer in their lymph nodes had the best post-surgical outcomes. “This study confirms that lymph node status is significantly correlat ed with overall survival in patients with epithelioid malignant pleural mesotheliomaundergoing EPP,” write Dr. Sugarbaker, lead author of the study. The study, published in the Annals of Surgery, found that patients whose mesothelioma had spread into both sets of lymph nodes closest to the tumor had a median survival half as long as those who had no lymph node involvement. “This study underscores the fact that staging provides more than a way to predict prognosis,” says Alex Strauss, Managing Editor of Surviving Mesothelioma. “It is also a key part of selecting the best candidates for radical mesothelioma surgery.” For complete details of the study and its results, see Mesothelioma Surgeon Says Proper Staging Key to Radical Surgery Survivalnow available on the Surviving Mesothelioma website. Sugarbaker, D et al, “Extrapleural Pneumonectomy in the Treatment of Epithelioid Malignant PleuralMesothelioma: Novel Prognostic Implications of Combined N1 and N2 No dal Involvement Ba sed on Experience in 529 Patients”, October 2014, Annals of Surgery, pp. 577-582. http://journals.lww.com/annalsofsurgery/Abstract/2014/10000/Extrapleural_Pneumonectomy_in_the_Treatment_of.2.aspx For nearly ten years, Surviving Mesothelioma has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving Mesothelioma news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving Mesothelioma news helps families make more informed decisions. Contact Information Michael Ellis Cancer Monthy http://www.survivingmesothelioma.com +1 (919) 570-8595

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Deaths Up from Rare Mesothelioma Cancer

Posted on August 11, 2016 by Admin

New Report Shows Deaths from Rare Cancers like Mesothelioma Up in UK, According to Surviving Mesothelioma Deaths from mesothelioma and other rare cancers now account for more than half of the cancer deaths in the UK, even though they make up less than half of those diagnosed. Raleigh, NC – July 04 – A new report from a British organization that represents rare cancer charities says cancers like mesothelioma now account for 54% of cancer deaths in the UK – a new high for the country. Surviving Mesothelioma has just posted details of the new report on their website. Click here to read it now. Using data from England’s National Cancer Intelligence Network, Cancer52 says people with less common cancers like mesothelioma account for just 47% of cancer diagnoses, but have outpaced the ‘big four’ cancers in deaths. “This disparity perfectly illustrates the challenges faced by those dia gnosed w ith a less common cancer At every stage of the cancer pathway from diagnosis to access to treatments, everything is more difficult,” said Cancer52 interim chair Clara Mackay. Mackay and her colleagues blame under-recognized symptoms, fewer treatment options, lack of research funding, and “less innovation” for the disparity in cancer deaths. “No matter where they live, most mesothelioma patientshave known the frustration of trying to get a diagnosis and decide among limited treatment options,” says Surviving Mesothelioma’s Managing Editor, Alex Strauss. “Unfortunately, many of the rare disease challenges cited in this report will be familiar to mesothelioma patients in the U.S. and elsewhere.” To learn more about the Cancer52 report and its other important findings, see Deadly Trend: Mesothelioma and Other Rare Cancers Make Up More than Half of UK Cancer Deaths now available on the Surviving Mesothelioma website. “A report from Cancer52 on Na tional Cancer Inte lligence Network data on rare and less common cancers”, June 10, 2014, http://www.cancer52.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Cancer52-NCIN-Report-10-June-2014-FINAL.pdf For nearly ten years, Surviving Mesothelioma has brought readers the most important and ground-breaking news on the causes, diagnosis and treatment of mesothelioma. All Surviving Mesothelioma news is gathered and reported directly from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Written for patients and their loved ones, Surviving Mesothelioma news helps families make more informed decisions. Contact Information Michael Ellis Cancer Monthly http://www.survivi ngmesothelioma.com +1 (919) 570-8595

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Asbestos Removal Certification Announced

Posted on August 8, 2016 by Admin

Wilcote Announces Asbestos Removal Certification Wilcote has announced that it is now fully certified through the Department of Labour to remove, repair or restore asbestos. Umhlali, South Africa – July 04 — Wilcote is a South African Family Brand that manufactures, supplies and applies a full range of building maintenance products countrywide. Recently, the company has been registered by the Department of Labour as Asbestos Contractors to conduct demolition work in term of regulation 21 of the asbestos regulation. Wilcote founder and Director, Will Rogers says, “The prolonged inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma, and asbestosis. If products containing asbestos are disturbed, the tiny fibers are released into the air. When they are breathed in, they can become trapped in the lungs and stay there for many years. Over time these fibers can accumulate in the lungs and cause these serious ill nesses. He adds, “Due to the potentially fatal consequences of asbestos inhalation, it is vital that the public use certified companies to deal with asbestos repairs or removals.” Wilcote is proud to announce that is has acquired asbestos removal certification from the South African Department of Labour, and is now certified to safely remove, repair and restore all asbestos installations. “Wilcote have designed and developed, with our Global Suppliers, unique, enviro and eco-friendly products, coupled with our Systems and Solutions, to provide our Customers’ with non-evasive methods for the Restoration and removal of all Asbestos Roofing, Materials & Ceilings,” Roger adds lastly. Moreover, the company is a member of FASA (The Franchise Association of South Africa), proud member of SAPMA and Master Builders Association. About the Company Wilcote was established in 1990 and is a leading South African provider of specialized building solutions, including waterproofing, dam pproofing, swimming pool renovations and ecological paints. Wilcote manufactures all products specifically for the South African and Sub-Saharan African market. Wilcote’s aim is to provide their clients at residential, commercial or industrial levels, with the cost effective, long-term solutions, the first time round. For more details, visit http://www.wilcote.co.za/ Contact Information Wilcote Will Rodgers (03294) 22030 http://www.wilcote.co.za/ W9 District Road D176 Umhlali, Kwazulu-Natal 4391, South Africa

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment

Families Receive $90M Verdict Against Foreign Asbestos

Posted on August 7, 2016 by Admin

Manville, NJ Families Receive $90.5 M Verdict Against Foreign Asbestos Giant Eleven families from Manville, New Jersey represented by the national asbestos litigation firm Levy Konigsberg LLP took another step in their quest for justice against the company that supplied asbestos to Johns-Manville from the 1950s into the 1980s. NEW BRUNSWICK, New Jersey – July 03 – Verdicts totaling $90.5 Million in 11 mesothelioma death cases (1) – including a mother and daughter – were rendered by the Superior Court of Middlesex County after years of litigation and a week of hearings before the Honorable Ana C. Viscomi. According to court documents, the plaintiff families – represented by the law firms of Levy Konigsberg and Szaferman Lakind – sued Anova Holding, AG and Becon, AG for the asbestos that they sold to Johns-Manville and which proximately caused their mesothelioma – a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The lawyers for the families utilized the p rocedure s of international treaties to serve Anova and Becon (both foreign entities) with the complaints. Neither defendant appeared or answered the complaints. Undeterred, the plaintiffs successfully obtained Default Judgments against these companies, and again served them with notice of the scheduled Proof Hearings through The Hague Convention procedures. Starting on June 20, 2014, court hearings were held to award damages to these families. The families were represented at the hearings by Leah Kagan and Moshe Maimon of Levy Konigsberg, and testimony of the mesothelioma victims, their families, and expert witnesses concluded on June 26, 2014. After deliberating upon the evidence, the Court awarded damages to each family for the pain and suffering of the mesothelioma victims and loss of consortium to their spouses. According to Kagan, “These families have suffered horribly at the hands of companies like Anova and Becon, and we are proud to represent them in their brave and unrelenting q uest for justice.” According to the lawsuit papers, Anova Holding, AG and Becon, AG are successors to the Eternit group of companies, which mined asbestos in South Africa, primarily, and sold it throughout the world, including to the Johns-Manville Company. In 2012, two executives from Eternit, family heir Stephan Schmidheiny and Swiss billionaire Baron Louis de Cartier de Marchienne, were convicted in a highly publicized criminal trial in Turin, Italy for their mining and sale of asbestos. They were held responsible for the deaths of almost 3,000 people (2). Levy Konigsberg LLP is a nationally recognized trial law firm specializing in the representation of mesothelioma and other asbestos cancer victims. For more details about the hearing and judgment, contact Leah Kagan or Moshe Maimon. (1) Tuturice v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-2030-10AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); DiTolvo v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-0464-10AS (N.J. Super ., Middlesex County); Durles ter v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-9677-08AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Greene v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-8113-09AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Ketchem v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-10217-08AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Koshinsky v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-4059-08AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Lindsay v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-6858-09AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Slepokura v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-7717-09AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Tafil v. Anova Holdings AG, et al, No. MID-L-215-09AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Troth v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-9794-09AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County); Upshaw v. Anova Holdings AG, et al., No. MID-L-7638-11AS (N.J. Super., Middlesex County). (2) The Telegraph, 02/13/2012: http://www.telegraph.c o.uk/news/worldnews/europe/italy/9079381/Pair-sentenced-to-16-years-in-Italy-asbestos-trial.html Contact Information Leah Kagan Levy Konigsberg LLP http://www.levylaw.com/mesothelioma-attorneys.php +1 212-605-6200 Moshe Maimon Levy Konigsberg LLP http://www.levylaw.com/law-firm.php 212-605-6200

Posted in Mesothelioma News | Leave a comment