Widow receives long-awaited compensation owed following husband’s asbestos exposure
A widow – who wishes to remain anonymous – has received compensation from her deceased husband’s employer, the North Thames Gas Board, after continuing his fight for compensation following his diagnosis of malignant mesothelioma.
Her husband worked as an apprentice fitter and turner for the North Thames Gas Board between the years of 1966 and 1972. During his time at the company, he worked in the pump room and boiler houses, being exposed to airborne asbestos fibres from the lagging material used on the pipework, valves, flanges and gaskets.
In November 2018, her husband pursued a compensation claim, having been diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer that is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. The North Thames Gas Board denied liability.
During the legal proceedings, he tragically passed away, upon which his wife adopted the claim and sought the compensation he was entitled to. The Poplar Coroner found that his death was due to the industrial disease, mesothelioma.
After obtaining engineering evidence as to whether the firm had failed in its duty of care, the North Thames Gas Board made a discounted six-figure offer of settlement, which was agreed.
Isobel Lovett, a Partner at Hodge Jones & Allen who acted in the case, said: “Although we were able to secure a significant amount of compensation for our client, her husband’s death should have never happened. Those who worked as pipefitters, plumbers, laggers, thermal/boiler engineers are particularly at risk from asbestos-related illnesses due to the common use of asbestos insulating material in the 1960s and 1970s.
“Mesothelioma takes such a long time to develop following exposure to asbestos dust that the devastating effects are only experienced decades later.
“If you or someone you know previously worked as a pipefitter, plumber, lagger, thermal/boiler engineer and have been exposed to asbestos, please get in touch for free initial advice on making a claim.”
For further information, please contact:
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