Power Station Worker Receives Substantial Compensation After Developing Mesothelioma

Mr F, who developed the asbestos-related condition Mesothelioma following his exposure to asbestos dust and fibres with his employer the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB), has received substantial compensation from the insurers of his former employer.

Mr F developed Mesothelioma (a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by inhaling asbestos fibres) caused by his exposure during his employment with the Defendant decades earlier.

Between 1959 and 1970, Mr F was employed by the CEGB, during his employment completing a 5-year Apprenticeship and also following his qualification as a Mechanical Fitter.

Mr F worked for the Defendant at various power stations. He would effect repairs to the plant and pipework in the power stations, working mainly in the boiler houses and turbine halls. His work involved him removing asbestos lagging, with Mr F recalling that clouds of asbestos dust were in the air all the time. The lagging would then be replaced by laggers, whilst Mr F worked in their vicinity. This meant he suffered substantial and prolonged exposure with no protection or ventilation provided by his employer.

In November 2019 Mr F started to experience fatigue and shortness of breath. He consulted his GP and following extensive investigations and procedures including the draining of a pleural effusion from his lung, a mere few weeks following the start of his symptoms, he was diagnosed with Mesothelioma.

In January 2020, Mr F pursued a compensation claim against CEGB. Within 4 months of notification of the claim, the insurers had admitted liability and made an interim payment. Following medical evidence being obtained, full details of his claim were sent to the insurers, and by April 21, Hodge Jones & Allen successfully negotiated a provisional settlement with the Defendant, which included an agreement that the Defendant would also pay for the Claimant’s future private medical treatment costs if such treatment was required in the future.

Sadly, the Claimant’s condition did deteriorate and private medical treatment was needed, which the Defendant is now funding.

As such Mr F can now access private treatment outside of the NHS, which he would thereby increasing his chances of prolonging his life expectancy.

Mr F was represented by Isobel Lovett, Partner and Head of the Asbestos Team at Hodge Jones & Allen. Isobel commented on the case:

“At Hodge Jones & Allen we understand the distress caused by illness due to an employer’s negligence. It is our primary goal to minimise this distress by ensuring the right settlement package for each individual client is obtained. It is vital that settlements include treatment payment guarantees and it is something Hodge Jones & Allen seek to secure in appropriate Mesothelioma cases.”