Guided by leading legal and medical experts you will explore the latest developments, challenges and strategies in dust disease litigation. Through real-life case studies and practical discussion, you will delve into silica-induced injury cases, multi-jurisdictional exposure, autoimmune disease links and liability in multi-defendant proceedings. Gain valuable insight on proving causation and quantifying loss in progressive disease claims, complemented by expert medical insights from a Respiratory Physician on diagnosis, causation and clinical considerations. Essential attendance if you navigate the evolving dust diseases landscape.

Presenters

Dr Anthony Johnson, Respiratory Physician MBBS, FRACP, MOHS, Dr Anthony Johnson Respiratory Physician
Dr Anthony Johnson is a Respiratory Physician working in Liverpool, Sydney. He has a longstanding interest in occupational lung diseases. After completing speciality training in Sydney he completed a Masters of Occupational Health and Safety with a thesis on Malignant Mesothelioma in NSW. He then worked in Vancouver, Canada conducting research on Occupational Asthma due to Western Red Cedar. In Sydney he worked at the Dust Diseases Board for many years examining claimants and was cofounder of a research centre established at the Board. He has been actively involved in patient care and research into occupational lung disease during his career and has published extensively on asbestos related diseases, silicosis and occupational asthma. He has extensive medicolegal experience preparing reports for plaintiff and defendant firms. He has worked in clinical practice in Liverpool for 20 years

Roger Singh, National Practice Leader, Shine Lawyers
Roger Singh is Shine Lawyers' asbestos and dust diseases department manager and has over twenty years' experience in dust disease litigation. He has successfully represented victims and families of those suffering with asbestos diseases throughout Australia with his most recent victory being the August 2015 landmark High Court decision in the case of Zorko Zabic v Alcan Gove Pty Ltd (HCA D5/2015). Roger has a track record of success in overseas jurisdictions particularly in his representation of Australian residents with claims for asbestos exposure sustained while living and working in the UK. Roger has successfully fought on behalf of workers who were exposed in a number of different industries including within the power, mining, building, manufacturing, waterside and automotive sectors. He has also represented home owners and individuals whose exposures occurred whilst performing renovations to their properties; and individuals who suffered second hand exposure via family members working in environments contaminated with asbestos. For Roger, representing those suffering with asbestos diseases is an honor and a privilege and in his words ''truly brings home what his calling as a plaintiff lawyer is all about".

Emily Archer, Legal Counsel – Victoria, Asbestos, Dust & Occupational Diseases, Slater and Gordon Lawyers
Emily is a Legal Counsel in the Victorian Asbestos and Dust Diseases Team at Slater & Gordon. Emily has conducted personal injury litigation since 2012. Having previously defended personal injury claims, Emily now acts for clients who are suffering from dust diseases including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis, asbestos-related pleural disease and silicosis as a result of exposure to dust while at work, during home renovations, or simply as a by-stander. Emily uses her experience in defending claims to ensure her client’s claims are navigated as quickly and efficiently as possible. She feels privileged to be able to build relationships with her clients and represent them during a difficult time in their lives.

Lian Chami, Partner, Bartier Perry
Lian brings over 15 years of experience in law, specialising in dust diseases work and historical liability claims. With a background in alternative dispute resolution, Lian is dedicated to achieving the best outcomes for clients. Her current practice focuses on dust-related cases, where she has been providing exemplary legal services to various clients, including NSW government clients in transport, education, public works, and health under the Treasury Managed Fund (TMF) and Comcare work on behalf of the Commonwealth Government. Lian’s clients appreciate her efficiency and practical, cost-effective approach to resolving or contesting litigations.

Kathryn Townsend, Senior Associate, Shine Lawyers
Kathryn is a Senior Associate with Shine Lawyers’ Toxic exposure, silica and dust diseases team. Based in Shine’s Brisbane branch, Kathryn is one of the most formidable legal talents at Shine Lawyers. Kathryn has forged a reputation for delivering clients and their families the financial security they need, when faced with a life-altering terminal dust disease diagnosis. “I chose a career in law to empower people who otherwise would not have a voice.” In addition to her litigation practice, Kathryn was heavily involved in successfully lobbying governments of all levels to ban engineered stone in Australia, to bring an end to the unnecessary deaths of stonemasons across the country.

Sarah Woon, Legal Counsel, Slater and Gordon Lawyers
Sarah Woon is a Legal Counsel in the Asbestos and Dust Diseases Team at Slater & Gordon. Day to day She represent clients suffering from asbestos related conditions such as mesothelioma, lung cancer and asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos can occur in a variety of scenarios, so her role is to help clients piece together their exposure history and guide them through what can often be a daunting process. Whilst no amount of compensation can properly reflect the difficulties her clients and their families are facing, She is hopeful that a successful outcome provides them with a sense of justice. She is motivated to protect and advise her clients and tailor their approach according to their specific needs.