Mesothelioma experts at Irwin Mitchell recently secured compensation of over £100,000 for a 65-year-old woman who had been exposed to asbestos as an office worker in one of BT's offices outside Cardiff.
Our client, Mrs B, was based at the company’s premises in Coryton. She worked in administration at those offices for around 15 years.
Failures In Asbestos Safety Precautions
In the mid-1980s, building work took place in BT’s Coryton office that resulted in the disturbance of the fabric of the building, which contained asbestos. This work was undertaken whilst office staff remained on-site, with no precautions taken to seal off the area.
Despite the risks to her health, Mrs B was never made aware of the dangers by her employer.
At the time Mrs B was diagnosed with mesothelioma, she was enjoying running her smallholding in Powys. Her animals and her smallholding were her life, and she was devastated at having to give up her animals.
How We Helped
Irwin Mitchell started court proceedings against Mrs B’s past employer at the Royal Courts of Justice. BT made an offer of settlement shortly after proceedings were issued and we successfully settled the matter in excess of £100,000.
Kim Barrett, solicitor in our Birmingham asbestos-related diseases team, commented: “This particular case highlights the widespread use of asbestos containing materials in buildings of all sorts, including offices.
"No regard was given for the welfare of the office's workers such as Mrs B, who were simply carrying out their work in an environment which their employer allowed to become contaminated with asbestos dust and fibres, without due regard to the health and safety of their employees.
"No amount of money will ever compensate for the devastation of getting a diagnosis like mesothelioma, but bringing a claim against your past employer like Mrs B did holds the employer to account. Having access to a specialist solicitor and the ‘fast track’ court procedure for mesothelioma claims is vital for sufferers."
If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.
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