Irwin Mitchell lawyer Satinder Bains, from our Birmingham office, supported Mr Crawford, aged 90, in his legal battle against his former employer IMI Kynoch Limited, successfully securing him a five-figure sum in compensation.
What Happened?
Mr Crawford worked as a as a welder at its Wilton Works premises in Birmingham, between 1968 and 1984, and spent most of his time at work in the electricity plant and boiler room of the power house. It was here that he regularly came into contact with asbestos insulation found on plant and pipe work. In his work as a welder he would have to scrape off existing asbestos lagging to undertake maintenance work, but at no point during his employment was Mr Crawford provided with respiratory protection or warned of the dangers of working with asbestos.
In May 2012, Mr Crawford was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive cancer of the chest lining caused by exposure to asbestos. This could have been completely avoided had the employer taken steps to properly protect its workforce and safeguard their health.
Background On Asbestos Claims
From 1898 to 1912 there were consistent references to asbestos and its harmful effects on people's health in the Annual Reports published by the Chief Inspector of Factories. From the early 1900s there was an increase in legislation and guidance on the dangers of asbestos. By the time of Mr Crawford’s exposure to asbestos, there was no excuse for failing to protect him. There can be a delay of twenty years or more, between exposure and the onset of symptoms, so many workers like Mr Crawford are only now making the terrible discovery that their health has been affected because of exposure to asbestos.
The Result
Irwin Mitchell, on behalf of Mr Crawford in August 2012, carried out court proceedings commencing in December 2012. Judgment was made in Mr Crawford’s favour and the case was successfully settled for the sum of £95,000 in compensation in February 2013.
It was important, given Mr Crawford’s age and the fact he was without dependents, that the case was progressed as quickly and efficiently as possible. Mr Crawford and his family were relieved that the asbestos related personal injury claim settled within a few short months of instructing Irwin Mitchell.
Our expert mesothelioma lawyers 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.
Back to Client Stories
