A family’s search for answers following the loss of their father led to an £80,000 compensation settlement, after decades-old workplace asbestos exposure contributed to his death.
At Asbestos Justice, we understand that losing a loved one to an asbestos-related illness can leave families with unanswered questions, particularly when the exposure happened many years ago.
When Ms V contacted us following the death of her father, Mr M, she wanted to investigate the circumstances surrounding his illness and pursue compensation on behalf of his estate.
Our specialist asbestos claims team helped her establish the history of her father’s workplace exposure and successfully secured £80,000 in compensation.
Years of Asbestos Exposure at Work
Mr M began his working life as an apprentice electrician before qualifying as an electrician. Between approximately 1961/62 and 1968/69, he worked for Electrical and Mechanical Contractors Limited, which later became Long Electrical Engineering Limited.
During this time, he carried out electrical work in factories and warehouses across Manchester, Liverpool and the Wirral, where he was regularly exposed to significant amounts of asbestos dust.
His work frequently involved removing asbestos lagging from pipes to install equipment or repair machinery. He also drilled through walls and ceilings containing asbestos insulation to install electrical wiring and was required to apply fresh asbestos lagging to pipework.
Each of these activities disturbed asbestos-containing materials, releasing harmful fibres into the air he breathed.
The exposure didn’t stop there. Asbestos debris was often left on the floors where he worked, and simply walking through or moving it could release more dust. Other workers carrying out similar tasks nearby added to the airborne dust, while sweeping at the end of the day disturbed the debris further.
Despite these repeated exposures, Mr M was never warned about the dangers of asbestos or provided with suitable respiratory protective equipment.
A Devastating Diagnosis Decades Later
Many years after his workplace exposure, Mr M began experiencing breathing difficulties.
He suffered from breathlessness for approximately 18 months, and medical investigations identified pulmonary fibrosis and pleural plaques.
Sadly, his health deteriorated and he passed away.
A post-mortem examination confirmed that Mr M had asbestosis, with his death attributed to industrial disease.
Asbestosis is a serious, progressive lung condition caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. It can take decades for symptoms to appear, meaning people may only discover the consequences of workplace exposure many years after leaving the job where it occurred.
For Mr M’s family, the diagnosis provided an explanation for his illness, but they were still left facing the devastating loss of their father.
Helping the Family Pursue Justice
Following her father’s death, Ms V, acting as executor of his estate, contacted our specialist asbestos claims team for help.
We investigated Mr M’s employment history and the circumstances in which he had been exposed to asbestos, building a claim against Long Electrical Engineering Limited.
We then submitted the claim to the company’s insurers and pursued compensation on behalf of Mr M’s estate.
Our work resulted in a successful settlement of £80,000, which included compensation for:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity: Recognising the suffering Mr M experienced as a result of his asbestosis.
- Care and assistance: Reflecting the care and support his daughter provided during his illness.
- Funeral expenses: Covering costs incurred following his death.
The Outcome: £80,000 Compensation Secured
Although no amount of money can replace a loved one, the £80,000 settlement provided financial recognition of the suffering Mr M endured and helped his family achieve a measure of justice.
Importantly, this case demonstrates that it may still be possible to pursue an asbestos compensation claim even when the exposure happened decades ago and the person affected has sadly passed away.
For families facing similar circumstances, understanding their legal options can be an important first step towards obtaining answers and pursuing the compensation they may be entitled to.
Has Your Family Been Affected by Asbestosis?
If you’ve lost a loved one to asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease, you may still be able to make a compensation claim on their behalf, even if their exposure happened many years ago.
At Asbestos Justice, our specialist team understands how difficult this time can be. We’re here to listen, answer your questions and guide you through your options with compassion and understanding.
Call us on 0800 038 6767 or contact our team online for free, confidential and no-obligation advice.
There’s no pressure to proceed. We’ll simply help you understand your options so you can decide what’s right for you and your family.