A true story about the wife of a roofing contractor who made a successful asbestos claim

As the effects of asbestos-related-diseases become more documented in the media, personal injury specialists such as YouClaim are becoming increasingly experienced at dealing with asbestos claims.

Our panel of personal injury solicitors are highly skilled at dealing with compensation claims of this kind and if you, or someone close to you, is suffering from asbestosis, mesothelioma or any other associated disease they may be able to help you too.

Asbestos on the lungs
The 76-year-old wife of a roofing contractor from Derby contacted us in June 2002 to make an asbestos claim.

Her husband worked for a local company over 40 years ago and travelled from house to house fixing holes in people's roofs and fitting insulation inside their attics. Many of the properties that he worked at were fairly old and needed their insulation either repaired or fully replaced.

It was down to him and his colleagues to rip out the old insulation materials, some of which contained asbestos. At the time, he was unaware of the dangers that this poisonous substance posed, especially when the harmful fibres contained within the contaminated building materials were disturbed and made airborne. He continued to inhale asbestos fibres and carry them around on his clothes for around four years.

This is where the problem began. The harmful fibres went everywhere with this man, even into his home. Meaning his wife, who was regularly in close proximity of him and washed his work overalls, was also unknowingly and repeatedly exposed to asbestos. But, like the asbestos fibres themselves, the effects of asbestosis can lie dormant for many years. It was not until the spring of April 2002 when she began to feel short of breath, became increasingly tired and developed a nasty cough that she paid a visit to her GP.

He gave her a thorough examination, including a lung function test, and then sent her for an X-ray which revealed that she was suffering from pleural thickening. He diagnosed her with asbestosis. When she asked him what the disease was caused by she was intrigued to find out more and asked her daughter to do some research on the internet.

When researching the disease she discovered that building and maintenance workers are most at risk. Her mother was surprised, and at the same time relieved, that her husband had not suffered symptoms of the industrial illness. However, the research also revealed that women are more prone to lung diseases than men.

After putting two and two together the women realised the likely cause of the illness and the mother decided she would like to pursue a compensation claim. While online the daughter came across our website so she returned for more details about the asbestos claims process.

The elderly woman then contacted our claims team who told her of our no win, no fee agreement and also reassured her that would not be responsible for paying a penny, whether her claim was successful or not. She asked if one of our personal injury solicitors would represent her and we accepted her case.

Her husband's previous employers were reluctant to accept liability for their negligence which indirectly lead to her exposure to the asbestos fibres. Eventually, they did accept that they were ultimately accountable and offered her an out-of-court settlement of £45,200 which she accepted.

Asbestos claims made hassle-free at YouClaim
If you, or a family member, have suffered the effects of an asbestos-related-disease then we are here to help you claim for what is rightfully yours.

We can help you to claim compensation against a negligent employer for pain, suffering, lost earnings, medical expenses, and even arrange top medical treatment with a specialist in your area.

For free legal advice chat online to one of our expert claims advisors or to make an asbestos claim today either fill out our online form or give us a call on 0800 10 757 95.