Australian resident, Graham Taylor, has recovered £400,000 in compensation following his diagnosis with asbestosis.  Mr Taylor worked as a lagger and lagger’s mate over the course of approximately two years in the 1960’s with three Barking-based companies, Kitsons Insulations, Cape Asbestos and Darlington Insulation.  He mixed raw asbestos powder with water on a daily basis to make insulating material for pipes and boilers and he described how he had to hold his breath whilst he was working because his job was so dusty.  By the end of the day he described himself as looking like “the Homepride flour man”.

Mr Taylor emigrated to Australia in 1967.  It was not until decades later, in 2005, that he began to suffer from breathlessness and was subsequently diagnosed with progressive asbestosis.  His illness initially stopped him from carrying out his work as a handyman building gazebos and other household projects, before stopping him working altogether in 2007.  Faced with a limited life expectancy, Mr Taylor now has the prospect of not being able to enjoy his retirement with his partner and requires daily assistance with basic household tasks.

The settlement of Mr Taylor’s case came just one week before trial in an incredibly hard fought case.  Daniel Easton, Mr Taylor’s solicitor, comments:
“The strength with which Graham has dealt with this case is a testament to his character.  Faced with an uncertain future, he has fought very hard for what he deserves to ensure that he and his partner, Sally, are properly cared for in the future.  The working conditions he endured were utterly atrocious and although the compensation will never replace Graham’s health, the settlement goes someway to imposing justice on this tragic case”.

For more information please contact Daniel Easton on 020 7650 1200.