Former power station fitter secures compensation for mesothelioma diagnosis

Roy Moore (76) spent his entire career working in power stations around the south east of England.

He started out as an apprentice fitter at the age of 15 in 1960, training at Rye Power station. Once qualified, he moved on to Tilbury A & B, Dungeness A & B and Sizewell power stations before finally retiring in 1994.

Before he could access the pipes and valves he was employed to maintain and repair, Roy had to remove the asbestos lagging that coated everything in the power station. Exposure to asbestos was a regular occurrence while Roy worked at Tilbury and Dungeness power stations, and at the end of his working day his overalls were often covered in asbestos dust.

In 2018, at the age of 74, Roy was fit and healthy. He was enjoying an active social life and he and his wife had just put into motion longstanding plans to move to Spain. Sadly, those plans had to be abandoned when Roy received the devastating news that he had mesothelioma.

Liability for the claim was admitted by EDF Energy Nuclear Generation Ltd. Following negotiations, a six-figure settlement was agreed.

Roy’s condition has remained stable in the two years since his diagnosis. Although he is yet to begin any treatment, Roy was clear that he wanted any settlement to cover the costs of treatment not available on the NHS, such as immunotherapy.

Expert oncology evidence confirmed Roy is a suitable candidate for future treatment when it becomes necessary, and this supported a settlement that allows Roy to return to the Defendant for further payments, if and when he starts paying for treatment.

Roy said:

‘Having been diagnosed with mesothelioma, I was advised to seek compensation. The service I received was excellent throughout; Catriona assessed and explained all the details in a clear, easy to understand way and could not have been more helpful. My case was funded on a no win no fee basis, so I had nothing to lose and everything to gain in compensation with a substantial settlement on completion. I would recommend anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma to give it a go.

Roy is represented in his claim by Leigh Day solicitor, Catriona Ratcliffe, who said:

"No amount of money can ever compensate Roy for this diagnosis and the impact it has had on his life, but I hope that the settlement Roy has received will make life easier and give him the reassurance that his medical treatment is covered and his wife is provided for in the future."