Expert Asbestos-Related Disease Lawyers Secure Funds For Darlington Woman

A Darlington woman has spoken of the need to raise awareness of the long-term health risks posed by asbestos after expert industrial disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell secured her a settlement from her former employers after she developed mesothelioma.

Valerie Cameron, 57, was diagnosed in May 2015 with the disease, an incurable form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos decades ago, after suffering with a cough and feeling breathless for a number of months.

Expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell have now secured her a settlement from her former employers Rothmans, despite the company denying liability for her asbestos exposure.

Valerie worked on the production line at the company’s Darlington factory between 1976 and 1979, during which time significant construction was carried out. Valerie believed it was during this work that asbestos dust and fibres were released into the working atmosphere around her.

She recalled asbestos lagging being removed from pipework while the construction work was undertaken by an external contractor and that this process created a dirty and dusty environment for the Rothmans’ workers.

Emma Crowther, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, who represented Valerie, said:

Expert Opinion

“Both Valerie and her family are understandably extremely relieved that a settlement has been negotiated with Rothmans that will go some way to ensuring she can access the care, support and help she will need as her health deteriorates as she battles this disease.

“Mesothelioma is a very aggressive and incurable cancer which causes a significant amount of pain and suffering for victims like Valerie and employers should have been well aware of the dangers it posed to their staff.

“Sadly, nothing can change Valerie’s diagnosis but after issuing legal proceedings against Rothmans at the High Court we have been able to secure her a settlement that will hopefully enable her to focus on fighting the disease and spending time with her family and friends." Emma Crowther - Senior Associate Solicitor

Valerie said: “I was completely shocked when I was diagnosed with mesothelioma and I immediately became worried about my future. I have always been independent and I’m worried I will lose this as my health suffers.

“I hope that by taking legal action I can some way help to raise awareness of this terrible disease and the problems exposure to asbestos can lead to decades down the line.

“Asbestos is still present in many buildings and workplaces and this is putting hardworking people at risk of health problems in the future. I hope that by speaking about what has happened to me I’ll encourage some companies to take a more proactive approach to identifying and removing asbestos from the workplace.

“The settlement I have received has put my mind at ease about my future and I can now focus on spending time with my family and friends.”

Our expert mesothelioma claims team will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved on has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.