Field Fisher Waterhouse wins significant compensation for lung cancer sufferer exposed to asbestos
16 June 2009
Law firm Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP has won £84,000 in
compensation for Mr B, a 67 year old man from Hayes who contracted
lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos dust when working as a
labourer for Cape Building Products Limited in the 1960s.
During his 18 months at Cape Building Products, Mr B was heavily
exposed to asbestos dust in the course of his work. His tasks
included handling sacks of raw asbestos which he was required to
open and empty out.
Generally it is very difficult to prove the connection between
lung cancer and asbestos exposure where the sufferer has not first
contracted asbestosis. In this case Mr B had also smoked heavily
for most of his adult life, making it even harder to establish the
connection.
Michael Osborne, solicitor in the Asbestos
Claims Group at Field Fisher Waterhouse, was able to negotiate a
settlement from Cape Building Products’ insurers with the help
of a medical report proving that asbestosis does not need to
be present for a patient’s lung cancer to be attributed to asbestos
exposure. Mr B received a settlement £84,000 in compensation
which took into account a deduction of 17.5 % to reflect his
history of smoking.
Michael Osborne, senior associate in the Asbestos Claims Group
at Field Fisher Waterhouse, commented: “I am pleased that we were
able to prove the connection between Mr B’s lung cancer and his
exposure to asbestos at Cape Building Products in the 1960s.
Despite being exposed to asbestos dust for only a short time, this
was enough for him to contract a serious disease. This settlement
will provide Mr B and his family with the necessary means to cover
the costs of his ongoing care.”
Mr B’s son said: “I would like to take this opportunity, on
behalf of my father and myself, to thank the firm for the
professional and sympathetic way they have dealt with our claim. On
a personal note, I would like to thank Michael for making such a
big difference to our situation.”
For further press information please
contact:
Louise Eckersley, PR Manager,
Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on 020 7861 4120.
Margherita Orlandini, PR
Executive, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP on 020 7861 4995.