Six-figure settlement for widow whose husband died after exposure to asbestos in the 1960s and 1970s

Trevor had spent the 1960s and 1970s working as a plumber and gas engineer at Thurrock Heating in Corringham. His work involved servicing boilers, fireplaces, and pipework, during which time he regularly dealt with asbestos-containing materials like flues, boards, and lagging. This exposed Trevor to harmful asbestos dust and fibres. Later, in the 1970s, Trevor moved on to work for Associated Lead Manufacturers, where he maintained and repaired lead sheet machinery and worked on asbestos-lagged pipework.

Associate David Hughes had conduct of Trevor’s claim and started investigating his claim by researching the history of both Thurrock Heating and Calder Industrial Materials (the successor to Associated Lead Manufacturers). Although neither company was still operating, David was able to trace the insurers who had provided Employers’ Liability coverage at the time of Trevor’s employment, allowing him to bring the claim against them.

Sadly, Trevor’s condition deteriorated rapidly, and he passed away shortly after instructing David. His widow, Janice, continued the claim on his behalf. The coroner later confirmed that Trevor’s death was due to industrial disease caused by asbestos exposure.

David secured an admission of liability from the defendants, who agreed to make an interim payment of damages to Janice in the sum of £50,000. He then focussed on gathering further medical evidence and quantifying the claim, including an assessment of Janice’s dependency loss, as Trevor had contributed significantly to their household, both financially through his pension and physically through DIY and gardening.

After several weeks of negotiations, the claim was settled for nearly £300,000. This settlement provided Janice with financial security and a measure of justice for Trevor’s tragic death due to asbestos exposure.

Janice had this to say:

“We had David Hughes act on our behalf. He came to our house all the way from Oxford. We appreciated that. My late husband, Trevor John, had mesothelioma that he got from working with asbestos. David was very supportive and understanding, so very nice and pleasant, nothing too much trouble ever. Especially as we had only just found out what Trevor had got and trying to take it all in and with making a claim. David was so sincere. I couldn’t have wished for anyone better and he succeeded in getting a good settlement for me so that I will not have to worry financially.”