Asbestos Litigation

A victim of an asbestos-related illness in Australia was reportedly given just three months to live in November, but is still involved in her battle for compensation from her former employer, reports Adelaide Now.

According to the news source, 72-year-old Kathleen Woodward said she had hoped the battle could be settled before her death so she could know that her family would be taken care of. However, during the recent District Court's Dust Diseases Tribunal, the case was scheduled for an eight-day trial in March.

Woodward's oldest son, Gavin, told the news source that the trial itself was the least of his worries.

"The concern is she's not going to see the outcome," he said. "I would hope they (the parties) would see some sense and have some compassion."

Woodward is reportedly seeking asbestos compensation from David Jones and contractors BI Contracting, claiming they failed to protect her from exposure to the carcinogen while she worked at the department store between 1955 and 1965.

Asbestos exposure can have devastating consequences, as the inhalation of the dangerous mineral fibers can cause asbestosis, lung cancer and the rare cancer malignant mesothelioma.