Client Seeks New Legal Representation
In March 2025, Mr T contacted our Industrial Disease, he had been pursuing a claim for mesothelioma compensation with another solicitor for approximately 15 months and was becoming increasingly concerned about the lack of progress in his case. Communication from his solicitor was limited, and he rarely received updates regarding the status of his claim. Given the urgent nature of mesothelioma cases, this understandably caused him considerable worry.
Following our initial discussions, Mr T decided to transfer his case to our specialist asbestos disease team so that we could review the matter and take over the conduct of the claim.
Reviewing the Case After Transfer
Mr T’s file was transferred to our firm in April 2025. After reviewing the documentation provided by his former solicitors, we quickly identified areas where important steps had not yet been taken.
Most notably, a detailed witness statement had not been prepared outlining Mr T’s exposure to asbestos during his employment with Calico Printers Association Limited, which later became part of the Tootal Group of companies.
Obtaining a comprehensive witness statement is a crucial early step in any mesothelioma claim. Many clients are seriously unwell at the time of their diagnosis, and so we prioritise gathering this evidence as soon as possible. Our team regularly travels nationwide to take witness statements in person, ensuring clients can provide important details about their work history and asbestos exposure.
Assessing the Asbestos Exposure
Mr T had experienced passive exposure to asbestos dust while working for his former employer. Although the level of exposure could not be described as extensive, we believed that it was more than minimal and therefore potentially sufficient to establish liability.
In asbestos disease litigation, even relatively low levels of exposure can be significant if they materially contributed to the development of mesothelioma. After carefully reviewing the evidence, we were confident that there were reasonable prospects of pursuing the claim successfully.
Moving the Claim Forward Quickly
Once instructed, we acted promptly to progress the claim.
A Letter of Claim was sent to the relevant insurers for the defendant company in April 2025. We also arranged for independent medical evidence to support the claim, which was obtained by July 2025.
Our proactive approach ensured that the case progressed far more quickly than it had previously.
Admission of Liability and Interim Payment
In September 2025, the defendant’s insurers accepted liability for Mr T’s illness. Following this admission, we secured an interim payment of £50,000 to provide immediate financial support while the claim continued.
Mr T was extremely pleased with the progress made and the level of communication and support he received from our team.
Final Settlement Achieved
Just over six months after the case was transferred to our firm, the claim reached a successful conclusion.
In early October 2025, the case settled for £245,000, together with funding for private medical treatment where required.
Ensuring Access to Ongoing Treatment
One of Mr T’s main concerns throughout the case was access to ongoing treatment.
He is currently receiving NHS-funded immunotherapy, but this funding is scheduled to end two years after his diagnosis, in April 2026. Understandably, the prospect of losing access to treatment was a significant worry for him.
As part of the settlement we secured, provision was made to ensure that the cost of continued treatment can be covered privately if required. This means Mr T can continue receiving the care recommended by his treating oncologist for as long as it is medically appropriate.
Speak to Our Mesothelioma Specialists
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma and would like advice about making a compensation claim, our specialist asbestos disease team is here to help.
You can contact us on 01244 312306, email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete our Contact Form and a member of our team will be in touch.
