We were instructed by Kevin following his diagnosis of mesothelioma. He had begun to feel unwell in the Autumn and had developed a cough. His doctor referred him for an x-ray and then a scan and biopsy. In the September he was diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to exposure to asbestos dust. Kevin had fluid drained from his lung and talc was injected to try and prevent further accumulation of this fluid.
Kevin had worked for a company known as Printing and Paper Drives Limited from 1966 until 1986/87, having been introduced to the company through his uncle who was an electrician. Printing and Paper Drives Limited later became PPD Engineering Limited. Kevin took night classes for four years and then qualified as an electrician.
Kevin worked on site at various printing presses and paper and board mills where he carried out electrical installation work. He usually stayed away from home working on sites for weeks at a time. He worked at mills, such as Croppers Mill in Burneside in Kendal, Donside Paper Mill in Aberdeen, Glory Mill in High Wycombe and Bowater Paper Mill in Sittingbourne. Some of the jobs lasted a number of months.
His work at each of these premises included erecting cable trays and trunking and the running through and siting of electrical cables. The printing presses and mills were usually old and contained asbestos lagged pipework which was not in good condition. Kevin recalled the disturbance of the asbestos lagging when he was carrying out his job. He would be dirty and dusty from asbestos dust and debris. He was not provided with any respiratory protection.
After we were instructed we obtained Kevin’s medical records and commissioned a report from a medical expert in asbestos-related diseases. He confirmed that Kevin’s exposure to asbestos dust with PPD Engineering Limited had caused his diagnosis of mesothelioma.
We put Kevin’s claim to the company’s insurers and negotiated a settlement of £150,000, within nine months of our instruction. This swift settlement will enable Kevin, who lives alone, to arrange care and assistance that he will need to make him more comfortable as his condition progresses over time.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, we may be able to help. Contact us on 0800 884 0718 or email [email protected] for a free initial discussion.
