Claim against the former Central Electricity Generating Board
WE Solicitors successfully concluded a mesothelioma claim against what was the former Central Electricity Generating Board. Sadly this is just another one of many claims we have had to bring against them for asbestos related injuries including pleural thickening, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Mr C worked as an Instrument Engineer from around 1970 to around 1993. During this time he had worked all over the world on secondment from the CEGB to various power generating bodies in South Africa and Zimbabwe overseeing the installation of power stations in those countries. He was also based at Eggborough Power Station based near Goole in North Yorkshire. Throughout his time working for the CEBG he was exposed to asbestos throughout his working day.
Asbestos was widely used within power stations to insulate pipework and boilers. This was insulation was removed and applied in the presence of Mr C who would oversee the work being undertaken often by outside contractors. Asbestos has widely been considered a dangerous substance since the early 1930’s however due to its insulate qualities it was widely used up to the late 1980’s and beyond.
The claim was brought by Mr C’s family as he had passed away before his diagnosis of mesothelioma, a cancer caused through inhalation of asbestos fibres, could be made. The family contact us to proceed with the claim. We managed to track down witnesses, assisted with the inquest, obtained Government benefits Mrs C was entitled too and started the claims process.
The Claim was settled without the need for court proceedings by the insurers who represented the successor to the CEGB. The family were awarded a significant six figure sum in compensation for the loss of Mr C and whilst no amount of money can compensate for lost loved one the money will be used to ensure Mrs C is well looked after in her old age.
Steven Evans the solicitor dealing with the case said, “ Sadly this was a preventable death. The Government were well aware of the dangers of asbestos but continued to use it widely in the power industry. All these deaths could have been prevented had they provided personal protective equipment and used other insulation products. Due to long incubation period for mesothelioma to develop which can be anywhere between 12 and 40 years Mr C will be just be one of many former workers whose health has been affected and lives brought to an abrupt end because of the negligence of their former employers”.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed or believes they have been exposed to asbestos please do not hesitate to contact us.
