Our specialist asbestos team has recently secured a £110,000 mesothelioma compensation settlement for the family of a man who was negligently exposed to asbestos during his employment.
When Mrs S contacted our team, she had recently lost her uncle to mesothelioma, a fatal asbestos-related cancer. She wanted to understand whether a claim could be pursued and justice secured on his behalf.
Workplace Asbestos Exposure at The Standish Company
Mrs S’s uncle worked for The Standish Company between 1978/79 and 1991/92 as a machine operator and factory worker at premises in Worthington, Wigan.
During his employment:
- He operated a fabric dyeing machine surrounded by pipework which was heavily insulated with asbestos lagging.
- The pipework was regularly disturbed, causing asbestos dust and fibres to become airborne. The asbestos lagging was therefore typically damaged and in poor condition.
- Trolleys collecting dyed fabric struck the asbestos-lagged pipes, breaking the material and releasing hazardous fibres into the deceased’s immediate vicinity.
- To be able to operate his machine, and carry out his role, he was required to handle and manoeuvre the asbestos lagging.
- Maintenance work on asbestos-covered pipework was carried out close to his workstation.
- No personal protective equipment or respiratory protection was provided to him.
- He was never warned about the dangers of exposure to asbestos.
This repeated exposure to airborne asbestos fibres significantly increased his risk of developing an asbestos-related disease decades later.
Mesothelioma Diagnosis Decades After Asbestos Exposure
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and is almost always caused by a person’s exposure to asbestos. Like many mesothelioma sufferers, Mrs S’s uncle developed symptoms many years after his exposure to airborne asbestos dust with the defendant company, due to the long latency period associated with the condition.
In 2023, he sadly began experiencing shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain and unexplained weight loss. Following medical investigations, including various CT scans and a surgical biopsy, he was later diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma.
Unfortunately, he was not fit enough to tolerate immunotherapy or chemotherapy and so it was decided by his treating team, that the best care they could provide was supportive. Despite receiving the best care, he sadly passed away in 2024.
Pursuing a Mesothelioma Compensation Claim
After his death, Mrs S contacted our specialist asbestos claims team to investigate whether she could bring a compensation claim on behalf of her late uncle’s estate.
We carried out detailed investigations into his employment history and obtained comprehensive witness evidence as to his exposure to asbestos, from his family members. We also carried out a thorough review of his medical records to locate evidence of the asbestos related condition.
A formal letter of claim was then submitted to the defendant. Liability was admitted shortly afterwards, with the defendant accepting that negligent asbestos exposure had occurred during his employment with The Standish Company.
Early admission of liability from the defendant allowed us to progress the mesothelioma compensation claim efficiently and focus on securing maximum compensation for the family.
Settlement of the Claim
We successfully negotiated a £110,000.00 compensation settlement for the family of the deceased, which included damages for:
- Pain, suffering and loss of amenity
- Funeral expenses
- Hospice fees
- Aids and equipment
While compensation cannot undo the harm caused by negligent asbestos exposure, it provided financial support and a sense of justice for the family.
Do You Have a Mesothelioma or Asbestos Compensation Claim?
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with:
- Mesothelioma;
- Asbestosis;
- Pleural thickening;
- Lung cancer caused by asbestos;
- Asbestos related pleural effusion.
You may be entitled to make an asbestos compensation claim, even if the exposure happened many years ago.
Our specialist asbestos solicitors have extensive experience handling asbestos disease compensation claims across the UK, securing substantial settlements for victims and their families. Our team provides expert guidance and compassionate support, helping families secure the justice and compensation they deserve.
Here to Help You
Please feel free to call us on today on 0800 038 6767, email us at contact@asbestosjustice.co.uk or complete our website contact form and we will get back to you as soon as we can. Our advice is free, confidential, and without obligation – you are under no pressure to use our services. Let us help you understand your options and take the first step towards justice.