Labourer Exposed to Asbestos Obtains Compensation

Damages have been secured for a labourer who developed a respiratory disability as a result of asbestos exposure.

The exposure occurred in the early 1990s when he stripped a boiler lagged with asbestos and removed it from a residential property. This was the only time in his career that he was known to have been exposed to asbestos.

He later began to exhibit symptoms of asbestos exposure. The trader for whom he had been working when the exposure occurred had died, so a claim was brought against the estate. Medical evidence was obtained showing that the labourer suffered from a 20 to 30 per cent respiratory disability.

After the trader's insurer was located, liability was admitted and a settlement of the claim was agreed.