Lawyers Secure Settlement And Recover Costs For Hospice

The widow of a former joiner from Greater Manchester who died of asbestos-related cancer is speaking out on how the condition affected him, after lawyers secured a settlement regarding the illness.

Christopher Bebbington, from Heywood, died aged 63 in August 2018, less than year after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung which is associated with asbestos exposure.

Following his death, Christopher’s wife Jeanne instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness. Her legal team subsequently secured a six-figure settlement from his former employers Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd, John Laing Construction Ltd and Cruden Construction Ltd after linking his illness to his work history.

Lawyers were also able to recover more than £6,000 for Springhill Hospice, which cared for Christopher in his final days.

Following the settlement, Jeanne, 57, is marking Action Mesothelioma Day on 5 July 5 by speaking out about the devastating impact that the cancer had on Christopher. The awareness day is held annually to raise awareness of the condition and the impact that asbestos exposure can have.

Expert Opinion

“Christopher’s death is yet another heart-breaking case which highlights the awful impact asbestos exposure has.

“Jeanne and Christopher were looking forward to spending their retirement together and had so many plans in place, yet mesothelioma took that away from them.

“While we are pleased to have helped Jeanne secure answers regarding Christopher’s death, we hope that this case will also act as an important reminder as to why safety must always come first with asbestos.

“We also hope the funds recovered for Springhill Hospice will prove to be a major help.”
Lucy Andrews - Associate Solicitor

Christopher was working as a lecturer in sight joinery at Oldham College prior to his death, but he and Jeanne had discussed their plans for the future at length.

She recalled: “Chris was a very active man and did so much at work and around the house. We also fostered children and he was always very hands-on and provided a huge amount of support to the youngsters who came to the house.

“We were looking forward to slowing the pace in retirement and hopefully enjoying some travel, but his illness has robbed us of that.

“It was truly awful to see how mesothelioma affected him, as he gradually became unable to do so many things that we all take for granted. I would help where I could but ultimately it was difficult to see how the illness affected both his mental and physical health.

“News of the settlement is very welcome and it is very pleasing to know the hospice has had its costs recovered, but ultimately nothing will change what has happened. Mesothelioma is a cruel illness and Action Mesothelioma Day is an important time to reflect on asbestos safety.”

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