Damages for Widow of Former Painter Who Died of Mesothelioma

A six-figure compensation settlement has been secured for the widow of a man who died of mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in the workplace.

The man had worked for a firm of builders in the early 1970s. His colleagues regularly used to cut asbestos boards, creating thick clouds of dust and fibres. He was also exposed to asbestos when off cuts from asbestos boards were burned. He was never warned of the dangers posed by asbestos or provided with respiratory protection.

In 2021 he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer that most commonly affects the lining of the lungs and is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. He commenced a claim for damages. After he died the following year, at the age of 80, his widow continued the claim.

His former employer initially disputed liability. After proceedings were issued, however, liability was admitted and a six-figure settlement was agreed with his widow.

Mesothelioma has a long incubation period, typically developing more than 20 years after exposure. The prognosis for those diagnosed with the disease is often poor, as it is usually at an advanced stage by the time symptoms appear.