£223,500 Compensation for Former British Coal Board Plumber Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
Bridge McFarland LLP’s specialist asbestos and personal injury solicitors have secured £223,500 in compensation for a former British Coal Board plumber who was diagnosed with mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos at work.
The asbestos compensation claim was settled within just four months of the claim commencing, providing our client and his family with financial security following his mesothelioma diagnosis.
Asbestos exposure while working at Wearmouth Colliery
Our client worked as a plumber between approximately 1968 and 2010. His recollection of significant workplace asbestos exposure related to his employment with the British Coal Board at Wearmouth Colliery between 1975 and 1992.
His duties included working on pipework in the boiler room and around the plant, where pipework was insulated with asbestos-containing materials.
As part of his maintenance work, our client was required to break material away from the pipework using a hammer and chisel. This disturbed the asbestos insulation and caused asbestos dust to be released into his working environment.
He also worked close to other employees carrying out similar duties and would sweep up after work had been completed, resulting in further exposure to asbestos dust and fibres.
Our client says he was never warned about the serious health risks associated with inhaling asbestos dust.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma after workplace asbestos exposure
Many years after his exposure to asbestos, our client underwent a number of medical investigations at Scarborough Hospital.
Following a CT scan in November 2025, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a cancer strongly associated with previous exposure to asbestos. The disease can develop many decades after the initial exposure, which means workers exposed to asbestos in industries such as mining, construction, engineering, shipbuilding and manufacturing may not develop symptoms until much later in life.
Sadly, our client’s mesothelioma diagnosis has resulted in a limited life expectancy. He is now focused on maintaining his quality of life and spending time with his family.
Making an asbestos and mesothelioma compensation claim
Following his diagnosis, our client instructed the specialist asbestos disease and personal injury solicitors at Bridge McFarland LLP to investigate his employment history, exposure to asbestos and medical condition.
Our asbestos solicitors investigated the circumstances surrounding his historic exposure and pursued a mesothelioma compensation claim on his behalf.
Despite the asbestos exposure having taken place decades earlier, Bridge McFarland LLP was able to progress the claim quickly and secure a settlement of £223,500 within four months of the claim commencing.
As well as pursuing his asbestos compensation claim, our team helped our client apply for benefits to which he became entitled following his mesothelioma diagnosis.
Our client said:
“It was a big shock for me to be diagnosed with mesothelioma and I was told by my consultant that this was caused by exposure to asbestos dust.
“We were never warned about just how dangerous inhaling asbestos dust was.
“I am pleased that a settlement has been obtained so quickly for me, which provides some financial comfort for my family moving forwards. Thank you to James and the team for all of their help.”
Specialist asbestos and personal injury solicitors
James Burrell, Partner and Asbestos Specialist at Bridge McFarland LLP, said:
“Our client is still coming to terms with his diagnosis, which has caused great distress to him and his family. He is trying to prepare for the future as best he can.
“We are pleased to have obtained a settlement for him in a short space of time. We also helped our client make an application for benefits which he was entitled to following his diagnosis.”
Speak to our experts
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis or another asbestos-related disease following exposure to asbestos at work, you may be entitled to make a personal injury claim for compensation.
It may still be possible to pursue an asbestos compensation claim even if your exposure happened decades ago or the company you worked for is no longer trading.
Bridge McFarland LLP’s specialist asbestos and personal injury solicitors can investigate your employment history and the circumstances of your asbestos exposure and advise you about whether you may be able to claim compensation.
Call 01482 320 620 or email enquiries@bmcf.co.uk to speak to our Hull-based asbestos and personal injury solicitors.
