Labourer exposed to asbestos dust dies from mesothelioma

Our client, Mr S, was exposed to asbestos and asbestos dust during his employment with British Uralite Limited causing him to later develop and die from mesothelioma cancer.

We acted on behalf of Mr S’ widow following his death.  Mr S worked for British Uralite Limited and their predecessors between 1963/64 and 1970 and again during 1980/81 at their premises in Higham, Rochester, Kent.

His role involved unloading jute sacks from lorries which contained asbestos.  These sacks were very dusty and substantial quantities of asbestos dust were generated into the atmosphere during the unloading operation. He also worked in the moulding section where he used sheet asbestos.

Two colleagues working in close proximity to the deceased used a lathe which generated huge amounts of asbestos dust into the atmosphere and also used sandpaper and emery paper to abrade pipes which contained asbestos fibres.  Asbestos and cement were pumped up from the ground floor to the mixing pan which was adjacent to Mr S’ workplace in the moulding section and this caused a fog of asbestos and cement dust to envelope the area.  Often this fog was so bad that Mr S would be temporarily evacuated from his workplace.

Asbestos cement waste was used in the construction of roads outside the factory complex and in dry windy weather any vehicular traffic caused clouds of dust from this waste to be thrown up into the atmosphere.

Finally, in around 1969 a clean-up of the factory was arranged as there was dust – including asbestos fibres – on every surface of the interior of the production building. Mr S was exposed to the asbestos dust generated during this clean-up operation.

At the time that he had been exposed to the asbestos the defendant had been aware, or ought to have been aware that the inhalation of asbestos dust would give rise to a foreseeable risk of injury to Mr S.

Very sadly Mr S later developed pleural thickening and malignant mesothelioma cancer.  He required increasing levels of care up to the date of his death.  He suffered a loss of life expectancy of over 8 years as a result of the mesothelioma.

Jonathan Herbert, acting for Mr S’ widow, was able to negotiate a six-figure out-of-court settlement to compensate her for her loss and in compensation for the pain Mr S had suffered.

Jonathan Herbert specialises in mesothelioma and asbestos exposure cases.  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 at Thomson Snell & Passmore solicitors on 01892 701226 in confidence.