#60. Principal Lawyer : The deadly Silicosis disease killing Australians - Jonathan Walsh

OCT 10, 202464 MIN
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#60. Principal Lawyer : The deadly Silicosis disease killing Australians - Jonathan Walsh

OCT 10, 202464 MIN

Description

<p>In this episode, we chat with Jonathan Walsh, a principal lawyer at Maurice Blackburn, who has dedicated nearly two decades to advocating for workers affected by dust diseases. Jonathan emphasizes the importance of early detection and improved workplace conditions, passionately fighting for those who often feel powerless against large corporations. He discusses the barriers workers face in seeking compensation, including stigma and fear of job loss while offering practical advice on understanding legal rights and seeking medical help. Highlighting the role of organizations in raising awareness, Jonathan underscores the urgent need for systemic change in how workplaces handle dust exposure, advocating for a more supportive environment that empowers workers to speak up about their health concerns.</p> <p><strong>About our guest:</strong></p> <p>Jonathan Walsh is a Principal Lawyer and Practice Group Leader for the QLD, NT, and NSW Dust Diseases teams at Maurice Blackburn, based in Brisbane. An Accredited Specialist in Personal Injury (Dust Diseases) by the Law Society of NSW, Jonathan graduated from Macquarie University with a Bachelor of Media and a Bachelor of Laws. He joined Maurice Blackburn in 2003, was admitted to practice in 2005, and took a hiatus from 2007 to 2011 to work in a major commercial law firm and as in-house counsel for a financial institution before returning to the firm. Known for his hard work and technical expertise, Jonathan is dedicated to achieving justice for clients affected by corporate and governmental negligence. He emphasizes the importance of support beyond compensation, frequently visiting clients in their homes or hospitals and collaborating with support groups to ensure comprehensive care and guidance.</p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Follow Our Guest:</strong></p> <p>Website: <a href="https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.mauriceblackburn.com.au/</a></p> <p>Linkedin: <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfwalsh" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://au.linkedin.com/in/jonathanfwalsh</a></p> <p>Facebook: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.walsh.908/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/jonathan.walsh.908/</a></p> <p><strong>Follow Us On:</strong></p> <p>Instagram: <a href="https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/thestevehodgson/</a></p> <p><a href="https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/" rel="ugc noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">https://www.instagram.com/sharewithsteve/</a></p> <p><br /></p> <p><strong>Episode Highlights:</strong></p> <p>00:00 - Episode Trailer</p> <p>02:23 - Who is Jonathan Walsh?</p> <p>03:53 - The Path to Law</p> <p>08:27 - Returning to Maurice Blackburn</p> <p>12:02 - Values that Drive Jonathan's Work</p> <p>16:04 - Current Issues in Workplace Relations</p> <p>19:58 - Lessons from the Past: James Hardie Case</p> <p>24:01 - Legislative Changes and Future Directions</p> <p>31:35 - Job Security vs. Safety: A Difficult Choice for Workers</p> <p>34:27 -  The Silicosis Crisis in Australia</p> <p>37:41 - Understanding Workers' Compensation Claims for Lung Diseases</p> <p>40:21 - Barriers to Compensation for Dust Diseases</p> <p>43:21 - How to Make Informed Decisions About Health and Legal Rights</p> <p>45:42 - The Power of Advocacy</p> <p>52:31 - Understanding the importance of what you put in</p> <p>54:32 - Definition of Success</p> <p>59:36 - Managing Emotions in Sensitive Cases</p>