Lawyers Secure Admission Of Liability From Former Employer

Legal experts acting for a former boiler repairman who was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer last year have taken a step towards helping him gain justice regarding the illness, after securing an admission of liability from one of his former employers.

Wyndham Chamberlain, 75, from St Neots in Cambridgeshire, was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of lung commonly associated with asbestos exposure, in October 2016 after struggling with symptoms for several months.

Following his diagnosis, he instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help him gain answers regarding how his illness emerged, with him outlining his belief that the illness could be linked to his time working at W R Grace’s St Neots site between 1973 and 1998.

Now, after the legal experts secured him an admission of liability from the company regarding his illness, he is marking Lung Cancer Awareness Month by calling on employers to ensure they do everything they can to keep workers protected from asbestos.

Samantha Shaw, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Cambridge office who is representing Wyndham, said: “This is a devastating story which demonstrates how the true impact of asbestos exposure can often only become clear many years after initial contact with the material has taken place.

“Sadly, the nature of our work means we have seen the terrible legacy that asbestos has had on so many lives, as well as how quickly the health of victims can deteriorate once symptoms begin.

“While we are delighted to have secured this admission of liability for our client, we are now completely focused on ensuring we can get him the justice he deserves regarding this illness.”

Wyndham Chamberlain worked on boilers and as a general handyman during his time at the W R Grace site at St Neots.

He said: “Looking back at my time there, I remember how the boiler house in particular was always so dusty. I had to change air filters on the compressors regularly and this blew dust everywhere, while I was also responsible for replacing steam joints and pipes which were covered and lagged in asbestos.

“Throughout my time there I was never warned of the dangers of asbestos or provided with any real protection. In the final few years paper masks were available but it was never made a fundamental requirement to use them.

“I’m devastated to have been told I have this illness but getting this admission of liability and some answers regarding how my illness emerged has provided some comfort. Asbestos has had a devastating impact on my life, so I only hope my story will remind employers of the importance of keeping their workers safe from the material.”  

Read more about Irwin Mitchell expertise in mesothelioma claims.