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22 July 2019 | Comment | Article by Richard Green

Lifetime settlement with private immunotherapy indemnity for former Swansea worker with mesothelioma


Mr W contacted Hugh James specialist asbestos team following his diagnosis with the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma. Mesothelioma is an aggressive type of cancer that is solely caused by exposure to asbestos dust.

Mr W joined Compass Sheet metal in 1964 which was part of the Bernard Hastie Group and worked there until 1975.

Mr W started work with Compass Sheet metal straight from school when he was 15. He undertook an apprenticeship at 16 and trained to become a sheet metal worker.

During his apprenticeship Mr W was required to mix up asbestos lagging and apply it to pipework. Mr W was heavily exposed in this way. Mr W was also required to remove asbestos lagging from pipework and sweep up asbestos debris.

Hugh James were already aware of Bernard Hastie and their employers’ liability insurers at the time of Mr W’s employment, despite the company having been dissolved many years ago, due to previous successful claims.

Liability was admitted by Bernard Hastie and Mr W was subsequently awarded £235,000 of compensation.

In addition to monetary compensation an indemnity agreement was agreed to enable Mr W to undergo private immunotherapy treatment. Mr W is undergoing life prolonging private treatment that was not available on the NHS.

Hugh James is a national, Top 100 firm, employing a team of more than 700 people, including over 60+ partners. Its specialist industrial illness team represents individuals and groups throughout England and Wales.

Armed with the experience and specialist knowledge that is required for this complex area, Hugh James has helped thousands of people who have been either injured or developed an illness as a result of their work. The team also has significant experience in working on industrial disease group actions, where more than one person has been by affected in the work place.

Author bio

Richard is a Partner and head of the asbestos litigation team. Richard specialises in asbestos-related disease claims and has recovered millions of pounds in compensation for his clients.

Disclaimer: The information on the Hugh James website is for general information only and reflects the position at the date of publication. It does not constitute legal advice and should not be treated as such. If you would like to ensure the commentary reflects current legislation, case law or best practice, please contact the blog author.

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