Irwin Mitchell has helped the widow of a man who died from mesothelioma, a disease caused by exposure to asbestos, to make a claim for compensation from her late husband’s employers.

Background

Mr J had become ill and deteriorated very quickly. It wasn’t clear what had caused his illness and this left his wife, Mrs J, both bereft and wanting answers.

Mrs J contacted Irwin Mitchell shortly after her husband’s death in January 2012. It was quickly established that Mr J had died of mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos.

At this point, it wasn’t clear when or where Mr J was exposed to asbestos but the Work Place Illness specialists dealing with the case placed a witness appeal in the paper immediately which brought in a number of very helpful witnesses.

Evidence From Witnesses

The evidence gained from the witnesses identified that Mr J was exposed to asbestos during his employment at Winnington Works in Northwich between 1961 and 1978. It was at this Works where Mr J was initially employed as an apprentice in numerous departments. He had worked within a few feet of men who were mixing and applying asbestos lagging to pipe work.

It was found that after Mr J completed his apprenticeship and began working at a garage, he was again exposed to asbestos. The work involved removing and replacing asbestos brake linings on vehicles, the air in the garage workshop contained asbestos dust and fibres which he inhaled and ingested.

Despite this, no special precautions to protect any of the employees were taken. Mr J was never warned of the dangers of working with asbestos and was never provided with a mask.

Compensation Secured

Charlotte Hobday, a solicitor from Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office, represented Mrs J and brought the case against Mr J’s employers. She managed to secure £250,000 in compensation for Mrs J which provided financial security for her future.

Charlotte said: "I am pleased we were able to bring a claim for Mrs J successfully. It will make a massive difference to her and her family.

"It was through the help of the witnesses we were able to bring the claim for which we are thankful."

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, our expert mesothelioma lawyers could help you claim compensation. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.

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