A Trust Fund Victims Can't Trust
Bernard Roy’s story
Edgewater, Florida. Bernard had always been an active man. He competed in the New Smyrna Beach Senior Olympic Games, competing in track and field, basketball, and bicycling. He was an avid wood-worker. He liked to visit with friends and family and go on vacation. He never smoked and regularly donated blood. And he’s the father of six children.
In September 2005, his life drastically changed. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused only by asbestos.
Bernard had no idea that his service in the U.S. Navy, and his related work afterwards, would lead to malignant cancer. He served from 1956 to 1962, with four of those years spent on active duty. Following his service, he worked as a marine machinist for the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard from 1961 to 1991. At the shipyard, he was exposed to asbestos-containing products such as pumps, valves, purifiers, compressors, generators, and engine equipment. He was in close contact with this equipment on countless Navy vessels throughout his 30-year machinist career.
Since his diagnosis, Bernard’s physical health has deteriorated, and he is unable to work. He endures pain, discomfort, and is often physically incapacitated. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy in an effort to prolong his life.
“I worry about the future care of my wife and children,” said Bernard. In particular, he worries about his youngest son who is 16.
Now Bernard is completely dependent upon his wife, Sylvia. She is attending college in order to prepare for a future without Bernard.
How would the asbestos bailout bill hurt Bernard’s family?
Bernard filed his case in Rhode Island in October 2005. The case is pending. If the proposed asbestos bill is enacted, Bernard’s case would be wiped out and he would have to start the claims process again from the very beginning.
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