Attorney
A few weeks ago, protesters took to the streets around the world in front of Canadian embassies. The protests took place in South Korea, Hong Kong, Belgium and American cities, such as Washington, D.C. and New York City. The reason for the protests is the Canadian government’s decision to re-open and expand the Jeffrey Mine in Quebec, which is one of the world’s largest asbestos mines.
The company that operated the Jeffrey Mine is under bankruptcy protection. After it was unable to find private sector financing, the Canadian government came to its aid. The company would be exporting the majority of the asbestos outside of Canada, many of which are developing countries with less oversight and less developed legal systems.
Washington, D.C. worker unions, Local 602 and Local 24, sent representatives to the protest to protect those that Canada’s decision will endanger. Workers at the Canadian mine will suffer exposure to the deadly substance. People overseas in developing countries will, as well. A Washington, D.C. personal injury lawyer is available to advise you of your rights if your employer has been negligent about your safety.
Fifty-two countries have banned all forms of asbestos. The World Health Organization (WHO) has called for its complete banning. As early as the 1920s, scientists and workers noticed the health problems that exposure to asbestos causes. Experts expect asbestos litigation in the United States alone to reach 700,000 cases in the coming decades, as people come down with mesothelioma and other deadly diseases relating to asbestos.
If asbestos or another unsafe product has harmed you or a loved one, contact Roger C. Johnson, a Washington, D.C. personal injury attorney, at Koonz, McKenney, Johnson & DePaolis L.L.P to learn how you can obtain compensation for injuries and suffering.