Our client regularly inhaled fibres carried on contaminated clothing, which ultimately led to this devastating diagnosis. This case study explains how the exposure occurred, the impact on our client’s life and health, and the legal steps taken to uphold accountability and compensation on their behalf.
In January 2024, following a period of shortness of breath and chest pain, 65-year-old Karen Harris was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Karen subsequently sought specialist legal advice from our Asbestos Team.
[Photo of our client Karen Harris and her husband Phil]
How Karen Was Exposed to Asbestos
During early discussions, Karen explained that she may have been exposed to asbestos through laundering her partner Phil’s work overalls. Karen and Phil met at a young age.
In 1974, when Karen was 16, Phil was completing an apprenticeship in painting and decorating with the local Health Authority. He was based at Llwynypia Hospital. His work frequently brought him into contact with asbestos containing materials, leaving dust on his overalls at the end of each day.
Karen and Phil spent a great deal of time together after work. Phil saw Karen straight from work, still wearing his dusty overalls. He regularly stayed with Karen at her family home and Karen laundered his overalls during this period, unknowingly breathing in asbestos fibres released during shaking, sorting and washing. This scenario — known as secondary asbestos exposure — is a well-recognised route through which family members and loved ones are put at risk.
Bringing a Mesothelioma Claim
With support from our expert asbestos team, Karen brought a mesothelioma compensation claim against Cwm Taf Morgannwg University Health Board, who were responsible for Phil’s employment at the hospital during the 1970s. The Health Board denied the claim, disputing:
- that Phil stayed at Karen’s home regularly during 1973 – 1976
- that Karen laundered his overalls, and
- the nature of their relationship as teenagers.
Importantly, the defendant did not meaningfully dispute the presence of asbestos dust on Phil’s clothing or the risk posed to Karen. Instead, the case focused on whether the couple’s relationship at age 16/17 was consistent with domestic norms at that time.
Taking the Case to Trial
As the defendant continued to dispute the evidence, the matter proceeded to trial before His Honour Judge Harrison. Karen provided clear, compelling evidence, supported by Phil and other close family members. The court accepted that:
- Phil’s apprenticeship exposed him to asbestos dust,
- his work overalls were contaminated,
- Karen laundered those overalls, resulting in secondary asbestos exposure.
A Successful Outcome and Access to Future Treatment
On 21 November 2025, judgment was given. Karen’s claim succeeded and she was awarded a substantial amount in compensation. Importantly, the court adjourned the claims for future loss of services and private medical treatment, allowing Karen to explore potentially life-prolonging, non-NHS therapies that would otherwise have remained out of reach.
Richard Green, Partner and Head of the Asbestos Litigation team and Maddie Allen, solicitor in the team, acted for Karen.
Maddie Allen said:
“Karen is an incredible woman who has shown remarkable strength and courage throughout this journey. Despite facing unimaginably difficult circumstances, Karen has remained positive and determined. It has been a privilege to support her and to witness the unwavering support shown by Phil and the wider family.”
Why Early Specialist Advice Matters
Karen’s story highlights the vital importance of seeking expert legal advice as soon as possible following a mesothelioma or asbestos related disease diagnosis.
Our specialist mesothelioma solicitors have extensive experience supporting individuals and families affected by both primary and secondary asbestos exposure. We understand the need to balance treatment, financial concerns and emotional pressures and are committed to providing:
- compassionate, expert guidance,
- thorough investigation of exposure history,
- access to interim payments where possible, and
- the best chance of securing compensation and treatment options.
