Hosiery Worker's Family Wins Asbestos Compensation Claim

The family of a former hosiery worker who died of the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma has won compensation for the hospice that took care of him at the end of his life.

The 67-year-old man had worked as a dyer for a clothing firm from 1958 until 1979. The factory environment was filthy and very dusty and he was exposed to asbestos, which was used to insulate the machinery.

Mesothelioma is an incurable disease of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos. It can take decades to manifest and the man’s condition was not diagnosed until late 2009. He died just a few months later.

The man knew that he had been exposed to asbestos whilst working in the clothing industry and, before he died, he commenced a claim for compensation against his former employer. After his death, his daughter continued the claim on his behalf and the family won an undisclosed amount in compensation. In addition, £7,000 was recovered to go towards the cost of the care provided by the hospice.

According to the Health and Safety Executive, the worst-case predictions are that annual deaths from mesothelioma amongst UK males will increase to a peak of about 2,100 around the year 2016. Female deaths are likely to peak after this but at a much lower level. Most deaths among women are likely to be as a result of non-occupational asbestos exposure.

When an occupational injury claim is brought on behalf of someone who died from asbestos-related cancer and the victim received hospice care in their last days, the value of the care provided can be included in the compensation claim.