At Oliver & Co Solicitors, we recently secured £100,000 in compensation for a former boilerman who developed asbestosis decades after being exposed to asbestos at work.
The claim was settled on a provisional damages basis, ensuring our client can seek further compensation if he develops another serious asbestos-related illness in the future.
Occupational Asbestos Exposure
Our client worked as a boilerman during the 1960s and 1970s, a time when asbestos-containing materials were commonly used throughout industry.
His work regularly involved removing old asbestos lagging from pipework without respiratory protection or adequate safety measures. These tasks released large amounts of asbestos dust into the air, which he breathed in over many years.
He was also exposed to asbestos while working at another manufacturing site where asbestos brake linings were in use. However, following careful investigation, it became clear that the overwhelming majority of his asbestos exposure had occurred during his earlier employment as a boilerman.
Developing Asbestosis
Many years after leaving the industry, our client began experiencing increasing breathlessness and reduced exercise tolerance.
Medical investigations confirmed that he had developed asbestosis, a chronic lung disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos fibres.
The condition had resulted in permanent scarring to his lungs, causing breathing difficulties that affected his mobility, independence and day-to-day life.
Building the Claim
Asbestosis claims often require detailed medical and technical evidence to establish both the diagnosis and the extent of historical asbestos exposure.
To support our client’s case, we instructed independent medical experts, including a consultant respiratory physician and consultant radiologist, who confirmed that his lung disease was consistent with occupational asbestos exposure.
We also obtained specialist engineering evidence to assess the level of asbestos dust he had inhaled during his working life. This evidence demonstrated that his exposure was well above the level recognised by medical experts as capable of causing asbestosis.
Together, this evidence provided a strong foundation for the claim and enabled us to pursue compensation with confidence.
The Impact on Everyday Life
Although our client had other health conditions, the medical evidence confirmed that asbestosis was making a significant contribution to his breathing difficulties.
Everyday activities became increasingly challenging, and he relied on regular support and assistance from his wife because of his reduced mobility and respiratory symptoms.
The claim reflected not only his diagnosis but also the practical effect the condition had on his quality of life.
The Outcome
Following court proceedings and detailed negotiations, the claim concluded with a settlement of £100,000 on a provisional damages basis.
This means our client has received compensation for the impact asbestosis has already had on his life while preserving his right to seek further compensation if he later develops:
- Mesothelioma
- Asbestos-related lung cancer
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- A significant deterioration in his asbestosis
For many people living with asbestos-related disease, provisional damages provide valuable peace of mind by protecting their future legal rights.
Diagnosed with Asbestosis?
If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis after working with asbestos, you may be entitled to claim compensation, even if your exposure happened decades ago.
At Oliver & Co Solicitors, our experienced asbestos disease solicitors help former workers and their families pursue compensation following diagnoses of asbestosis, mesothelioma, pleural thickening and other asbestos-related illnesses. We understand the challenges these conditions bring and are committed to providing clear advice and practical support throughout the claims process.
To speak to one of our specialist asbestos disease solicitors, contact Oliver & Co Solicitors today on 01244 312306 or email law@oliverandco.co.uk for a free, confidential discussion about your circumstances.
