Settlement for Hartlepool construction worker diagnosed with asbestos disease

A construction worker diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease is warning of the dangers of the hazardous material after lawyers secured him a settlement.

Stan Braham, of Hartlepool, has been diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening, an incurable condition caused by asbestos exposure and which leads to the thickening of the pleura, the membrane surrounding the lungs.

Stan asks asbestos lawyers for support

Following his diagnosis, Stan who left school aged 15 to work in the construction industry, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate.

The legal experts have now secured the dad-of-one an undisclosed settlement from some of his previous employers in connection with his illness.

The settlement is on a provisional damages basis, meaning Stan, 71, can seek to obtain further damages in the future if his condition significantly deteriorates or he develops a further asbestos-related disease.

Stephanie Denham is the asbestos-related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell representing Stan.

“Stan’s case is another stark reminder of the devastating legacy asbestos has left behind and how too many people continue to develop life-changing conditions many years after exposure, simply from doing their job.

 

“While nothing can undo what Stan is going through, securing this settlement provides vital peace of mind. It means that if Stan’s condition progresses, or he develops a more serious asbestos-related illness, he has the reassurance of being able to return and seek further compensation to help meet any additional care and support needs in the future.

 

“While the use of asbestos has been banned in the UK since 1999, it’s still present in many buildings and dangerous if disturbed. Therefore, it’s vital that employers continue to ensure the safety of their staff at all times.

 

“We would encourage anyone who has been diagnosed with a benign asbestos-related disease, namely asbestosis or pleural thickening, to seek advice as doing so could provide those affected with an insurance for the future.”

Diffuse pleural thickening: Stan's story

Stan has been married to wife Pamela, 66, for more than 40 years with the couple having a son, Michael,33.

Stan began working in construction in the early 1970s.

He recalled that, particularly in the earlier stages of his career, he regularly worked with materials containing asbestos. His tasks included cutting and fitting asbestos sheets used for fire protection, as well as removing and handling corrugated asbestos roofing materials on housing projects.

Stan was found to have pleural plaques, which are markers of asbestos exposure on the lungs, in around 2008. However, pleural plaques is no longer a compensable condition under UK Law. However, he began to experience increasing breathlessness, and following tests, he was diagnosed with pleural thickening in 2023.

Stan reveals impact of asbestos disease as he issues safety warning

Stan said: 

“When I look back, it’s frightening. We were working with materials we now know contained asbestos but at the time I had no idea I was in danger. The dust was everywhere and we were just expected to get on with the job.

 

“I’m okay doing normal activities such as walking around the house, or walking on the flat at my own pace, however, if I try to do anything strenuous, I become very breathless. I notice it when I am carrying things, on the stairs and when I go swimming.

 

“I used to ride my road bike along the promenade without difficulty, but now I get short of breath.

“While nothing can make up for what I’ve been through, I’m thankful to have some peace of mind that if my condition gets worse, my future care needs will be taken care of.

 

“I’m speaking out because I don’t want others to go through this — asbestos is still out there and people need to understand how dangerous it can be.”