Tasmanian Robert Williams’ fight for asbestos compensation ‘worse than cancer’
Robert “Bobby” Williams was a builder for more than half a century and during that time was repeatedly and unknowingly exposed to asbestos. Now, at the age of 70, he is waiting to die after spending the better part of a year fighting to be recognised as eligible for asbestos compensation.
After being diagnosed with lung cancer in October 2018, Mr Williams was initially only given a few months to live. After receiving an additional diagnosis of pulmonary fibrosis, he was then told he would die within two years.
Despite this, his claim through Tasmania’s asbestos compensation scheme took 16 months to be approved. After two submissions, an appeal and legal fees exceeding $80,000 his claim was finally accepted in March this year.
However, he has described the emotional and mental stress of the appeal process as being worse than his cancer.
Read more on this story at: https://www.examiner.com.au/story/6867463/fight-for-asbestos-compensation-worse-than-cancer/