Preston woman receives six-figure settlement after joiner husband’s death from exposure to asbestos
“ He was a devoted husband and father, and seeing the effect mesothelioma had on him in such a short space of time was extremely difficult...”
A woman from Preston whose husband died from mesothelioma, a cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, has received a six-figure settlement from his former employer.
In telling their story, we are referring to the couple as Victoria and James. The settlement was reached without an admission of liability.
Victoria's husband, James, worked as an apprentice and later qualified as a joiner for J.T.S Contractors Limited, formerly John Turner & Sons (Preston) Limited in the 1960s and 70s.
During his time at John Turner & Sons (Preston), James recalled being regularly exposed to substantial amounts of asbestos dust while working with Asbestolux boards, a construction material known to contain asbestos.
As part of his role, James remembered cutting and working with the boards, which released asbestos dust into the air. He said he was not provided with adequate respiratory protection and was not warned about the dangers associated with inhaling asbestos dust and fibres.
He also recalled having not been given any advice or instruction about measures that could have been taken to reduce the risk to his health.
In August 2023, James was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and he later died from the disease. Following his diagnosis, James and his family received support from Cumbria and Lancashire Asbestos Support Advice Group.
Victoria instructed Joanne Candlish, a partner from the asbestos team at law firm Leigh Day to investigate how her husband may have been exposed to asbestos.
A claim was brought against J.T.S Contractors Limited. The company contested the case, but Victoria’s legal team successfully secured judgment in her favour, and the matter was listed for a final hearing.
Less than a month before the trial, the case was settled for a six-figure sum. The settlement will provide financial support for Victoria and the couple's daughter, who still lives at home.
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Victoria said: “James and I were together for many years, and his death has been a great loss to our family. He was a devoted husband and father, and seeing the effect mesothelioma had on him in such a short space of time was extremely difficult.
“Although it does not change what has happened, I am pleased the case has now been concluded. The settlement will provide support for me and my family and gives some recognition to what James went through as a result of this terrible disease.”
Leigh Day partner Joanne Candlish said: "Mesothelioma is a fast-moving and devastating disease. Within a matter of months, it can completely turn the lives of those affected upside down. This was a hard-fought case, and we are pleased to have secured a six-figure settlement for Victoria and her family.
"While no amount of compensation can ever make up for the loss of James, we hope the outcome provides them with some measure of financial security and a sense of justice."