Earlier this year, the family of a man who died from an asbestos-related cancer, were awarded compensation from his former employer. As part of the settlement, the wife and son donated a portion of the settlement to Salisbury Hospice, which had cared for him before his death. In speaking to BBC Radio Wiltshire, his wife said: “His last few months would have been unbearable without the hospice’s help.”
Mr Downton was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which was caused by being exposed to asbestos between 1977 and 1982 when he worked as a painter and decorator. He died in 2023, just a year after being diagnosed.
Source: Family wins compensation after asbestos-related death
Asbestos Exposure – UK’s Greatest Cause of Work-Related Deaths
Although the use of asbestos was banned in 1999, much of this material is still in place, and exposure to the substance remains the largest cause of work-related deaths in Great Britain. Around 5,000 people die every year from asbestos-related diseases, which typically take decades to develop and cannot be cured. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) is currently running two campaigns to inform and educate tradespeople on the hazards of asbestos and how to work safely with it. See below:
For more guidance, see the HSE’s Introduction to asbestos safety here.
Compensation for Asbestos Exposure
We at Asbestos Awareness are dedicated to sharing vital information and highlighting the consequences of asbestos exposure. After being exposed to asbestos, a person can be at considerable risk of contracting an asbestos-related disease, such as mesothelioma or lung cancer. If you have been informed that you are suffering from such a disease, it is crucial to seek out the necessary legal advice to ensure you receive the compensation you are rightfully owed.
Our site is owned and managed by Bridge McFarland, a UK-based law firm with a leading personal injury department dedicated to supporting clients in claiming compensation owed as a result of an asbestos-related disease diagnosis.
If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, or an asbestos-related disease, we can assist you. Please call 0800 987 8809 or fill in this contact form.
