Labourer exposed to asbestos at work is compensated

Mr F worked as a labourer between 1965 and 1968 during which time he was regularly exposed to asbestos. He worked with carpenters who sawed up asbestos sheets to fit into areas which were being fire-proofed.

Mr F’s job involved clearing away the asbestos dust and debris created by the carpenters.  To do this he used a combination of his bare hands, a shovel and a broom.  He sometimes had to break up asbestos with his hands to fit it into rubbish sacks.  A considerable amount of asbestos dust was generated into the air by this work and there were no windows or ventilation on site.  Mr F inhaled the asbestos dust which also settled in his hair and on his work clothes. No protective equipment was provided to Mr F by his employers.

Many years later Mr F was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma which had formed as a result of his exposure to asbestos.  He suffered with increasing symptoms and required increasing levels of care.

Mr F instructed Jonathan Herbert, specialist industrial disease lawyer who urgently obtained medical evidence and prepared a claim against the defendant, arguing that they had failed to take reasonable steps to protect Mr F from the asbestos dust.

Jonathan successfully obtained an out-of-court settlement of £137,500 for Mr F to compensate him for his pain and suffering and financial losses.

Jonathan specialises in mesothelioma claims.  If you would like to ask Jonathan a question about a potential case, or if you have a general query about any personal injury, contact Jonathan Herbert at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701226 in confidence.