Mesothelioma Attorneys
Damages won after asbestos death
|
|
The widow of a man who died from an asbestos-related cancer has won compensation from the former employer of her late husband’s stepfather. Barry Welch, from Leicester, was thought to have contracted mesothelioma after childhood exposure to asbestos. It was linked to dust and fibres brought home on overalls by his stepfather, Roger Bugby, from his workplace in Kent. The level of damages will be decided at a court hearing in early 2007. Mr Welch, who had three daughters, began legal action after being diagnosed with mesothelioma in May 2004. He died 11 months later aged 32, but his widow Claire, from Braunstone in Leicester, continued the fight for compensation. It ended last month when insurance firm Zurich, on behalf of Mr Bugby’s former employer Palmers Limited, conceded negligence. Mr Bugby worked as a scaffolder at Kingsnorth Power Station from 1977 to 1979. The young Mr Welch would sit on his stepfather’s lap when he returned home, but that led to him inhaling asbestos. Law firm Irwin Mitchell, which represented Mr and Mrs Welch, said: “This exposure as a child led to Barry contracting mesothelioma in later life.” More : news.bbc.co.uk |
Related Articles from Attorney for Mesothelioma
Asbestos claim law change backed
Changes in the law making it easier for people to claim compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer have been passed by the Scottish Parliament. The move, approved unanimously by MSPs, will make it possible for victims to seek recompense without blocking claims by their families after their death. Mesothelioma is a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust. The condition has been diagnosed in 400 men - most of them former Clydeside shipyard workers. Scotland has led the way in the UK on the legal amendment and is allowing claims from the beginning of this year. Deputy Justice Minister
Asbestos law plans backed by MSPs
The Scottish Executive introduced new measures in December to end the dilemma facing mesothelioma victims. They were forced to choose between claiming damages for themselves or waiting so that relatives could possibly claim more after their death. The Holyrood committee scrutinising the bill recommended that MSPs back it when it goes before parliament. Sufferers have been able to lodge compensation claims since 20 December even though the Mesothelioma Damages Bill is not yet law. In an unprecedented move, Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont announced at the committee's meeting on 13 December that the bill would be amended to enable sufferers
Asbestos bill plans move forward
Those affected are currently forced to choose between claiming damages for themselves or allowing relatives to claim after their death. The Mesothelioma Damages Bill is to be amended to enable people to benefit from its provisions from 20 December. The unusual move is thought to be unprecedented. Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont made the announcement to MSPs on Holyrood's Justice 1 Committee, who are scrutinising the proposed legislation. "Mesothelioma is a devastating disease - a cancer for which there is no cure," she said. "It can develop many years after exposure to asbestos and when it does, can kill fast.
A silent dust death sentence
oan Baird, whose husband William died from mesothelioma seven years ago, said it is an "horrific condition". Mrs Baird has become a campaigner for the Clydebank Asbestos Group following the death of her husband. The town has the highest death rate from asbestos poisoning in the UK, mostly due to its shipbuilding past. The Clydeside area also had two asbestos factories. Mrs Baird told BBC Radio Scotland: "It is a horrific disease, I'd describe it as the silent dust death sentence. "It is a very painful disease and to watch anyone suffering with this takes the heart right out of
Legal hope for asbestosis victims
Moves to reform legislation which creates a compensation claim dilemma for some cancer victims have been launched by the Scottish Executive. Victims of mesothelioma currently have to choose between claiming for damages or allowing their relatives to lodge a bigger claim after their death. The executive said most choose to wait for the sake of their families. It has published draft legislation to rectify the situation. The move was welcomed by campaigners and unions. Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that attacks the lining of the lungs - and the only known cause in the UK is exposure to asbestos. More