Daughter awarded mesothelioma compensation after Father’s tragic death

Working all his life in and around boilers, often in very confined spaces, our client’s father was exposed to asbestos over a lengthy period by several employers.

Employed by British Rail for many years following the second world war, he only took a break in order to carry out his national service, returning in 1955. When he left to work elsewhere, this exposure was to continue, although not on the scale of the neglect he suffered through British Rail.

The Devastating Effects Of Mesothelioma

The deceased’s wife had died shortly after he began to experience the first symptoms of the fatal mesothelioma, so his daughter had taken on the role of carer as his condition progressed. Despite a hacking cough, excessive loss of weight and being very lethargic, he was not sent for an x-ray until a nurse became concerned during an unrelated routine check-up, and he was sent for an x-ray. Further checks were ordered and a short time later, he was diagnosed with the asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma.

It was less than 2 months later that he died.

Following his diagnosis, in the short time that he had remaining, he underwent several procedures to try to alleviate his symptoms, including chest drains, biopsy, numerous x-rays. Some of these procedures are extremely painful, and some involved breaking the ribs to allow better access for the drains.

Sadly, his condition had reached the stage where nothing more could be done to improve his condition, and it was judged that radiotherapy or chemotherapy would prove futile. In order that he could return home, he was fitted with an outside drain. His daughter would routinely empty this drain, and she had to help him with all his personal care.

Claiming Compensation For Mesothelioma Fatalities

As with many mesothelioma victims, his health deteriorated so quickly that he sadly died before being able to claim his rightful compensation.

His daughter determined to do that on his behalf and asked our specialist mesothelioma lawyers for compensation claim advice.

Exposure To Asbestos

Typical of thousands of victims of exposure to asbestos, much of her father’s working life was spent in boiler houses, cutting sheets of asbestos and packing glands and valves, which were made of asbestos. He was also surrounded by asbestos lagged pipes and blue asbestos which lagged the boilers. Vibrations in the pipes would cause dust and fibres to be released, which he inhaled.

At no time was her father provided with a mask or other protection, and was never warned about the dangers of working with asbestos.

No ventilation equipment, or exhaust appliances were provided, nor a safe system implemented to ensure control of the dust during clean-up operations.

British Rail Admits Liability For Negligence

Following the production of evidence, British Rail admitted liability.

Advising rejection of two initial offers, our specialist mesothelioma solicitors were able to recommend that our client accept the offer of a substantial sum in compensation for her loss and her father’s pain and suffering.

Mesothelioma Compensation Claims

Clear Answers' specialist lawyers have a reputation for obtaining the maximum compensation for people who suffer from an asbestos-related disease as a result of negligence by the employer. We have teams of experts in all types of asbestos-related claims, and are waiting to help you, should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your mesothelioma compensation claim.

We will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, to answer any questions you may have regarding your claim and to talk you through the claims process in plain English.

The entire service will be cost-free for you and the insurers of the organisation responsible for your injury or condition will pay our legal fees. You will receive 100% of your compensation if you choose to instruct Clear Answers to represent you in this matter.

If you or a family member is suffering from an asbestos-related illness or a family member has sadly died from an asbestos-related disease, please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers.

Alternatively, a representative will contact you as quickly as possible if you complete one of our on-line compensation claim forms.

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