23 February 2011
In a landmark ruling in August 2010, a company that exposed an employee, Mr Willson, to asbestos that resulted in him developing the fatal lung cancer mesothelioma, was ordered to contribute to his hospice expenses.
Mr Willson was regularly exposed to asbestos whilst he worked erecting boilers at Deptford Power Station for Foster Wheeler Ltd. In 2006, 50 years after he joined the company, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer. In March 2007, he was admitted to St Joseph’s Hospice, Hackney, where he died 27 days later.
The family of Mr Willson claimed that the costs of the hospice care should be re-paid to St Joseph’s Hospice. The Judge hearing the case found that the defendant company Foster Wheeler Limited, should pay the costs of care provided by the hospice.
The ruling was being appealed but Royal & Sun Alliance, the insurers for Foster Wheeler Limited however the appeal was dropped at the "last minute". The ruling will mean that thousands of claims could now be brought by hospices, most of which are run as charities, against companies whose former workers they are caring for as result of their asbestos-related illnesses.
Leigh Day: mesothelioma lawyers
Leigh Day has a team of specialist mesothelioma claims lawyers who have successfully obtained millions of pounds in compensation for people who have contracted mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos in the workplace. We only represent claimants and do not act for insurance companies. Daniel Easton, partner and head of the industrial diseases team, has been recognised as a leader in the area of asbestos compensation claims by both major legal directories. Chambers guide to the legal profession recently described him as being considered ‘outstandingly knowledgeable’ by the Bar, and ‘compassionate’ and ‘responsive’ by clients.
If you would like to talk to one of our lawyers about a possible claim for compensation relating to asbestos, asbestosis, pleural plaques or mesothelioma please contact us on 020 7650 1200 for a free initial consultation, or complete our email enquiry form.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.
Information was correct at time of publishing. See terms and conditions for further details.