Guest guest Posted April 25, 2005 Report Share Posted April 25, 2005 Post: Major Mold Litigation Event To Report- Doug Haney Posted by _ R. Haney_ (http://counsel.net/cgi-bin/chatscripts/mailform.cgi?uid=Vgmydsk_zsfwq52 & dmn=zgl\ esad.uge & name=+R.+Haney & subject=Major+M old+Litigation+Event+To+Report-+Doug+Haney) on 4/24/05 First legal situation this week: If there " were " any doubts as to human micro fungi exposures influencing serious human diseases (e.g., doubts cast by insurance industry articles), one major insurance provider came " front-and-center " with a real " eye opener " in a small Mediation Room a couple of weeks ago. Though I am cannot discuss the actual case, I can provide you with facts resulting from the negotiating that took place regarding the settlement agreement. Let's just say that after presenting a little over an hour in explaining why and how science is aware that micro fungi are much more dangerous than portrayed as little cartoon monsters crawling in and out of toenails shown in television commercials, defense attorneys suddenly asked to speak with plaintiff attorneys, out in the hall. I mentioned that I would gladly continue my presentation with several display boards that I had on standby, but my offer was " waved off " , so to speak. That moment signified the end of my presentation. I felt however, very confident that I had done my very best to present fairly and factually without any suggestion of bias the facts as they are viewed scientifically in the medical research community. For instance, I left little doubt that micro fungi are live cells that are not plant life, but very close to human cellular composition in structure both chemically and physically. I explained the mechanisms micro fungi use in performing their ecological niche (job in nature) to decompose dead and dying species (in this case humans while they are still living), and why. I demonstrated clearly a direct correlation between certain mold species and the process used to mutate human cells and why. And, when I was near completion, evidently the defense attorneys had seen and heard enough. For nearly two weeks I wondered whether or not my presentation had productively educated everyone in the mediation room as I had hoped to assist all parties to this litigation reach their decisionmaking in a settlement process that might avoid further misery for all involved. These cases of course are not easy for anyone involved from the attorneys to the judges to the poor clerical employees, to the deposition recorders, to the people who have to serve papers, copy documentation, and so on and so on... The answer to all of this came on Monday afternoon of April 18,2005. After three years of tossing this case back and forth and tons of research and paperwork it was over a settlement had been reached. This ordeal was over, and instead of the environmental micro fungi exposure victim (plaintiff) receiving a sum ranging in the lower six digit range ($x00,000) as originally posed, the case actually settled in what one attorney indicated was a " substantial seven digit figure " ($x,000,000) based primarily on circumstances relating to the probability of health issues (causation) triggered by fungal exposure. " What this demonstrated to the judge in this mediation process, a man well known for his integrity, quality of experience in litigation, and insurance standards (as he was at one time a California State Insurance Commissioner) is that indoor (pathogenic, or disease-causing) mold exposures are not healthy for any human regardless of how healthy they might believe they are. His Honor came back into the room as I was leaving to shake my hand and let me know that it was an honor to meet someone who is an expert in his field. This made all of the 19 years of very hard study in the molecular sciences, well worth the dedication. Nearly two years ago on this Board I stated that I would provide the facts that would change things and set the facts straight. That is happening now, as promised. Since the Houston, TX environmental indoor mold-related death case I was a professional consultant on enviromental health and safety to in 2002, and the litigation matter in Fresno, CA where a 16-month infant died under similar circumstances, I have hoped and prayed that medical professionals would really become involved in mycotic diseases and start treating them. This progress has not surfaced rapidly, though we are now hearing of many medical doctors who are expressing more than a keen interest in it. Since then I have had many friends suffer greatly from such exposures and have lost a few near and dear to me. It is time for us to move forward and rapidly in finding long term medical solutions rather than through litigation. It is extremely rare I am told, that an expert is allowed into a mediation event that is primarily designed as a " quick " solution of a litigation matter, and for a settlement of this magnitude to be awarded out of a mediation conference is rare at best. However, I want to congratulate the defense team in this case for really understanding the seriousness of micro fungi-related exposures, and members of the " major " insurance company involved for realizing that the world is changing rapidly in communication and intellect, and that the science involving the deadly forces of micro fungi are " right here, right now " in the annals of 21st century molecular science. This highly successful conclusion to a very difficult situation for all involved, clearly demonstrates that the scientific community is as close as the touch of a keyboard, and there is little area left in the world to hide what is true in health and nauture. This also indicates that some very people-oriented insurance companies do listen and learn, and are willing to move toward and work with human health needs once the facts are known without reservation. I hope what occurred in San Francisco on one cold and windy morning will serve to help us all understand that we are all in this search for truth and wisdom together. Micro fungi as pathogens (disease-causing microbes) is a problem that we all are responsible for finding answers to. Again, I offer to debate on any nationally-televised talk show (only because this gives you more of a chance to make a fool of me, if you believe that is possible)any medical doctor in the country who truly believes that respiratory exposure to micro fungi does not influence (i.e., actually initiate causative influence)human disease. I have stated this for over three years with only one talkshow host who was brave enough to take me up on it. Within 15 minutes of his show he was referring to me as a " true expert. " I relate that I do not offer this as any form of boast as to my qualities or abilities. I simply offer this to bring facts about micro fungi and their health dangers to the forefront so that we as humans can begin to work medical health resolutions to the problem rather than wage battles in litigation processes that only tend to adversely affect us all. Litigation is not the answer, though currently until we all get on the same page, it is necessary. Doug Haney EnviroHealth Research & Consulting, Inc. E- _Haney52@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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