Justice secured for a carpenter who was exposed to asbestos while working for Greater London Council.

Mr L worked for the Greater London Council (GLC) as a carpenter in the late 1960s and early 1970s. Although he never handled asbestos himself, he was often surrounded by other tradesmen who used asbestos to lag pipes and fireproof buildings. Day in, day out he unknowingly inhaled the deadly fibres that would change his life forever.

Decades later, Mr L was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a devastating asbestos- related cancer. By the time he had received his diagnosis, his health has deteriorated rapidly, leaving him with limited time to seek justice. Mr L was a widower, and it was imperative his claim should be concluded within his lifetime or the level of compensation payable would be much less.

He instructed our specialist mesothelioma solicitors who then obtained medical notes and records, and employment history, and set out the details of the claim to GLC. Despite the urgency of his condition the Defendants took months to respond; by which time our solicitors had commenced Court proceedings as Mr L’s health continued to decline and there was a real risk that he would not live long enough to see his case conclude.

GLC admitted liability and made a payment on account of the claim and our solicitors secured a Trial date a few months after the Defendant responded.

Thanks to the solicitors swift action, they secured an impressive six- figure settlement within just five months of first being instructed. This result not only provided financial security for Mr L’s family but also ensured that his suffering did not go unanswered. After the claim was settled the family said:

“Many thanks for concluding his claim so speedily. The award has exceeded our expectations”.