Our asbestos disease team recently helped the family of a former factory worker obtain £110,000 in compensation after he developed mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure during his employment.
The claim was brought after Mrs S contacted us following the loss of her uncle. Like many families who face the devastating impact of asbestos-related disease, she wanted to understand whether his illness could have been linked to his working environment and whether those responsible could be held accountable.
After discussing her uncle’s work history and the circumstances surrounding his illness, our team began investigating the conditions he had worked in and whether they may have exposed him to asbestos.
Working Conditions That Led to Asbestos Exposure
Mrs S’s uncle spent over a decade working at The Standish Company’s factory in Worthington, Wigan. Between the late 1970s and early 1990s he worked as a machine operator and factory worker, carrying out duties that regularly placed him close to asbestos-containing materials.
His role involved operating a fabric dyeing machine that was surrounded by extensive pipework. At the time, the pipes were covered in asbestos lagging used as insulation. Unfortunately, the material was frequently damaged and disturbed in the busy factory environment.
Trolleys used to transport dyed fabrics would often knock into the lagged pipes, causing the brittle insulation to crack and release dust into the surrounding air. Maintenance work was also regularly carried out on the same pipework close to where he worked, which further disturbed the asbestos.
To carry out his job, he sometimes had to handle or move sections of the lagging around the machinery. Despite this direct contact with asbestos materials, he was never given protective equipment such as masks or respirators, and he was not warned about the dangers associated with asbestos exposure.
As a result, he was repeatedly exposed to airborne asbestos fibres during the course of his work.
Symptoms Appear Many Years Later
One of the most tragic aspects of mesothelioma is that symptoms can take decades to appear after the original exposure to asbestos.
This was the case for Mrs S’s uncle. For many years after leaving the factory, he had no indication that he had been affected by the hazardous conditions he had worked in.
However, in 2023 he began experiencing troubling symptoms including breathlessness, chest pain, wheezing and unexplained weight loss. After undergoing a series of medical investigations, including CT scans and a surgical biopsy, doctors confirmed that he had developed malignant mesothelioma.
Due to his overall health, he was sadly not well enough to undergo treatments such as chemotherapy or immunotherapy. Instead, his care focused on managing his symptoms and ensuring he was as comfortable as possible.
Despite the support of his medical team, he passed away in 2024.
Investigating the Circumstances of His Illness
Following her uncle’s death, Mrs S approached our specialist asbestos solicitors to find out whether anything could be done in his memory.
Our team began by carrying out a detailed review of his employment history and gathering witness evidence from family members about the work he carried out at the factory. We also obtained and reviewed his medical records to confirm the diagnosis and establish the connection between his illness and his past asbestos exposure.
After building a clear picture of the conditions he had worked in, we submitted a formal claim to the company responsible.
The defendant accepted liability soon after receiving the claim, acknowledging that he had been negligently exposed to asbestos during his employment.
This admission meant we were able to move forward quickly with negotiations and focus on securing fair compensation for the family.
Compensation for the Family
Following negotiations with the defendant, a settlement of £110,000 was agreed.
The compensation reflected the pain and suffering he endured due to mesothelioma as well as the financial costs associated with his illness and passing. This included funeral expenses, hospice care costs and the cost of equipment and support needed during the later stages of his illness.
Although compensation can never undo the impact of asbestos exposure or the loss experienced by the family, it provided some financial security and helped acknowledge the wrong that had been done.
Support for Those Affected by Asbestos Disease
If you or a member of your family has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, it may still be possible to bring a compensation claim – even if the exposure happened many years ago.
Conditions linked to asbestos exposure include mesothelioma, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer, pleural thickening and pleural effusion.
Our specialist solicitors have helped many individuals and families across the UK pursue claims following asbestos exposure at work. We understand how difficult these circumstances can be and aim to provide clear advice, practical guidance and compassionate support throughout the process.
Speak to Our Team
If you would like to discuss a potential claim, our team is here to help.
You can contact us on 01244 312306, email law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete the enquiry form on our website and we will respond as soon as possible.
All enquiries are free, confidential and without obligation, and you are under no pressure to proceed with a claim.
