Exposed to asbestos while working for Ward Brothers
The widow of a former labourer has become the first to receive compensation from a Yorkshire employer’s insurer after her husband died from an asbestos related disease.
The former labourer was exposed to asbestos while working for Ward Brothers in Sherburn, Yorkshire from 1966 to 1968.
He died of mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer of the lining of the lung, in April 2005.
Compensation for asbestos victim's family
Asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors helped his widow secure £177,000 in compensation following his death. The family decided to claim compensation after getting help from the Ridings Asbestos Support and Awareness Group (RASAG).
It is believed that this is the first successful mesothelioma compensation claim to be brought against Ward Brothers who were once a large employer in Yorkshire.
Previous attempts to identify Ward Brothers' insurers through the Association of British Insurers tracing scheme had failed but Thompsons Solicitors were successful after making detailed enquiries through local insurance brokers.
Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and there is no cure. Sufferers often die within months of diagnosis.
The labourer worked with asbestos on a daily basis and was never given any protection against the dangerous dust.
He died aged 61 in April 2005 after spending weeks undergoing tests at hospital. He left behind his wife and an adult son.
His wife said it was important to the family to claim compensation for her husband’s painful death.
He was the main breadwinner of the family and had expected to continue to work until he was 68.
She said: “This terrible disease struck him when he was very fit and active. Mesothelioma took his health away from him in such a short time.
“He would be relieved to know that we have now received compensation and his family will be financially secure.”
Former Ward Brothers' employees may now be able to make claims for asbestos-related diseases
Marion Voss of Thompsons Solicitors added: “Mesothelioma can take many years before the symptoms become apparent. Often by the time the disease is diagnosed many employers have ceased trading and it can be difficult to trace their insurers.
“Fortunately in this case we were able to find Ward Brothers’ insurers after making detailed enquiries through local brokers. I’m pleased our efforts have been able to bring this case to a successful conclusion for this family.
“As a result of finding this insurer we will now be able to help other former Ward Brothers’ employees who have developed asbestos-related diseases to claim compensation.”
Tom Carden from RASAG said: “Ward Brothers were a substantial employer in Yorkshire over the years and it will be a great relief to some families who have been affected by exposure to asbestos that at last an insurer has been found. “
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.