Robin Smith wins Australia's record asbestosis payout, nearly $1.9m
Experts told the court his life expectancy is around five to six years.
The Supreme Court has awarded Robin Smith nearly $1.9 million, Australia's biggest asbestosis payment on record. Mr Smith is a Mackay grandfather in his late 70s, and he is dying from asbestosis.
Mr Smith was unwittingly exposed while working as a plumber for the former Mackay Harbour Board. Mr Smith's job involved cutting asbestos cement pipes with a demolition saw.
Experts told the court his life expectancy is around five to six years. The lawyer said $800,000 of the payout was for 'pain and suffering'.
Mr Smith hopes the win will be a 'watershed moment' for other victims. Asbestos was banned in Australia about two decades ago, but more than six million tonnes remain in buildings.
- nearly $1.9 million
- Payout
- $800,000
- Pain and suffering award
- five to six years
- Life expectancy
- more than six million tonnes
- Asbestos in buildings
Why it mattersAsbestos exposure can cause illness decades later, and this ruling may guide other people seeking compensation.
AustraliaAsbestos remains in more than six million tonnes of Australian buildings, so older homes and schools still pose risk.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
Open this story in InSnip →
