We often act for clients who were exposed to asbestos while living or working in England or Wales but later moved abroad. Even if they now live overseas, because the original exposure took place in the UK, their legal claim can still be pursued through the courts of England and Wales.
Exposure to Asbestos in the UK Workplace
We recently concluded a case on behalf of the widow of a man who had trained as a heating and ventilation apprentice with Rosser & Russell Limited between 1974 and 1978. His apprenticeship took him to a variety of sites, including a project close to Heathrow and another at the Evening Standard building in London.
During this period, he encountered asbestos on a frequent basis, particularly when stripping lagging from pipework before starting his jobs. This work released large amounts of asbestos fibres into the air, leaving him unprotected and at risk. The company failed to provide masks or adequate safety equipment, despite the well-known dangers of asbestos at the time. That negligence formed the foundation of the claim.
A New Life in New Zealand
In 1983, the man emigrated to New Zealand. He spent several years working in construction there, where he again came into contact with asbestos. From 1994 onwards, he moved into teaching — a profession he loved and where he ultimately became a respected school principal. Outside of work, he enjoyed cycling and lived an active lifestyle.
The Delayed Impact of Asbestos Exposure
It wasn’t until 2023 that he began to suffer persistent pain on his right side, initially thought to be a rib injury. After further hospital visits and scans, he was sadly diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer directly linked to asbestos exposure. Mesothelioma can take decades to appear, with a latency period typically ranging from 10 to 50 years.
Securing Justice in Two Countries
Before his passing, he made a successful ACC claim in New Zealand, receiving $166,487.44 in compensation. He also contacted us to explore his right to pursue a UK claim based on his earlier exposure here. Although he sadly passed away before the case was resolved, his widow continued the process, and we secured a settlement of over £200,000 after accounting for the New Zealand payment. While no amount of money can replace a loved one, the compensation has provided financial security for his wife’s future.
How We Can Help
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, we are here to help. Call us on 0800 038 6767 for free, confidential advice, or fill out the form on our Contact Us page and a member of our team will be in touch.
