Mr B, a former foreman, sought medical advice after experiencing increasing breathlessness. Following a biopsy, CT scans and PET scans, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He underwent chemotherapy and was determined to fight the disease, but his condition deteriorated rapidly. He was later admitted to Weldmar Hospice, where he received excellent care before he sadly died.

Mr B worked for Foster Wheeler at Fawley Refinery in the late 1960s and early 1970s, where he was a foreman on the Cat Cracker plant. During shutdown periods, he worked 12-hour shifts, seven days a week, supervising the dismantling and replacement of plant equipment and components.

Many components on the plant, including the pipework, were insulated with asbestos lagging. During shutdown work, the lagging was disturbed, releasing asbestos dust into the surrounding area. It was held in place with chicken wire, which workers removed and bagged before the pipework was re-lagged with asbestos material.

Mr B inhaled asbestos dust while supervising the shutdown and clean-up work. He was not provided with protective clothing or respiratory equipment.

Rachel Carman, a specialist mesothelioma solicitor at RWK Goodman, met with Mr B and prepared a witness statement recording his account of his asbestos exposure before his death. The defendant, AMEC Foster Wheeler (Holdings) Limited, strongly denied the claim. They served preliminary evidence from an occupational hygienist and documents disputing that the lagging Mr B encountered would have contained asbestos.

Further investigation into the use of asbestos at Fawley Refinery was therefore required. RWK Goodman obtained supporting evidence from an expert occupational hygienist about Mr B’s likely exposure.

Despite the defendant’s position, the team continued to pursue the claim on behalf of Mr B’s family and estate, supporting them throughout the process. Following negotiations, a substantial settlement was secured for Mr B’s family just days before the limitation deadline.

If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following possible exposure to asbestos at work, RWK Goodman’s specialist Respiratory Disease team can provide confidential advice about your options.