In 2023, a man based in Wiltshire died from an asbestos-related cancer. Almost two years later, his family have received compensation and have donated a portion of it to the hospice that cared for him at the end of his life.
The sixty-three-year-old had worked as a painter and decorator for several years over four decades ago. Now, his wife and son have secured £23,000 for Salisbury Hospice. On the family’s decision, the deceased’s wife told the BBC, “His last few months would have been unbearable without the hospice’s help.”
A year after being diagnosed with the industrial disease, the ex-decorator died from mesothelioma – a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust fibres. It is an aggressive type of cancer and still causes approximately 2400 deaths each year on average in the UK alone, despite asbestos being banned in 1999.
It is believed the individual was first exposed to the deadly dust as far back as 1971, whilst carrying out painting and decorating (which persisted until 1982). Despite his shock diagnosis in 2023, he was still able to enjoy one last holiday with the continuous support of the hospice.
“[He] so wanted us to go on holiday to Majorca – and if it wasn’t for the support […] in helping to manage his pain, that would never have been possible. The staff and volunteers were absolutely amazing with him. We will never forget that.” the deceased’s wife remarked.
“We as a family felt supported the whole time. They did everything for us they possibly could.”
Source: here.
UK Asbestos Compensation Claims
Due to the short life expectancy associated with mesothelioma, it is important that recently diagnosed mesothelioma patients seek urgent legal advice from experienced asbestos compensation solicitors with a view to starting a claim as soon as possible.
Can I Make a Mesothelioma Claim?
Employers owe a duty of care to their employees to do everything they can to make sure their employees are not put at risk of coming to harm whilst at work. The dangers of asbestos were widely known by employers many years before its ban came into force.
If you have lost a loved one due to a mesothelioma diagnosis, there is a reasonable chance of making a successful claim for compensation against the deceased’s former employer.
If you would like to learn more about asbestos-related or industrial diseases, please see our mesothelioma FAQs here.
How to Start an Asbestos Claim
Our Asbestos and Mesothelioma Solicitors, offer a free, no obligation initial consultation to discuss your case, where we can highlight your legal rights, the strength of your case to claim, and the first steps to making a claim.
Your lawyer will also ensure you fully understand the various funding options available, including conditional fee agreements (‘no win, no fee’) and the likely timescales involved in pursuing a claim.
Asbestos Solicitors UK
For more information about how Bridge McFarland LLP can help you start an asbestos-related disease or mesothelioma claim, please call 0800 987 8800 or email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk and speak to our experienced team.
Alternatively, if you want to make a direct enquiry, please fill in this online form, and we will get back to you.
For more information, you can visit our dedicated website for Asbestos Related Illnesses: Asbestos Awareness.
