Damages secured for former Treloar Health Authority painter following diagnosis of mesothelioma

RWK Goodman acted for a painter who worked for the Treloar Health Authority between 1969 and 1978.

The claim was brought against the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care (“SOSHSC”) for exposing our client to asbestos from the hospital buildings he worked in, to include the Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital and Alton General Hospital.

Mr W’s work involved painting the hospital wards, kitchens and the boiler room. The boiler room contained a large network of old asbestos lagged pipes, which he sanded down before painting. He frequently worked alongside other trades, including pipe fitters and carpenters who also disturbed the asbestos lagging.

During the summer months, Mr W painted old wooden buildings at the Lord Mayor Treloar Hospital. Prior to painting, Mr W rubbed down the fabric of the building, including the asbestos soffits and facias.

Following his diagnosis with mesothelioma in 2022, Mr W instructed Rachel Hicks, an Associate in our specialist asbestos disease team. Rachel took a detailed witness statement from him regarding his employment history and asbestos exposure at the hospitals.

A claim was brought against the SOSHSC and liability was admitted shortly thereafter. Mr W received a £50,000 interim damages payment. Steps were subsequently taken to quantify the claim and an offer of settlement was then received by the Defendant.

Mr W’s claim settled for £180,000 and an agreement was secured for the Defendant to pay the cost of any future private medical treatment he may be recommended in the future.

Rachel was delighted to receive a 5* Trustpilot review from Mr Williams’ daughter: “Rachel was so helpful, she was polite and cheerful and sorted everything out for my dad – I can’t thank her enough”.