Family of former silver solderer and NHS nurse receive substantial compensation for asbestos cancer claim

The woman, who we are calling Mary, worked as a silver solderer for General Electric Company (GEC) at Witton Works, Birmingham, between 1954 and 1966 where her job was to make electrical components.

Mary recalled working near to asbestos lagged pipes at the factory which were damaged and exposed her to dust.

Mary then worked for the NHS at St Margaret’s Mental Health Hospital from 1976 until the early 1980s. She worked as a domestic assistant at Adams Home in Great Barr, Birmingham, where patients with mental health conditions were cared for. 

She recalled that there were lagged pipes in this building too, which were frequently damaged by the patients. This meant that regular repairs to the pipes took place and exposed Mary to asbestos dust while she worked.

Mary went on to become a nurse for the NHS for 15 years, before retiring in 1995. After being diagnosed with mesothelioma in November 2021, Mary contacted the asbestos team at Leigh Day, who urgently progressed her claim.

Mary sadly died in May 2022 before her claim was concluded, but her family instructed Leigh Day to continue progressing the claim.

Both defendants denied liability for the claim and made repeated requests for the claim to be abandoned. A trial was listed for 5 November 2024 in the High Court of Justice, however the defendants agreed to pay a six-figure sum of compensation to Mary’s family to settle the claim out of court.

Mary’s son said:

“My mother was a brave victim of the dreadful condition, mesothelioma, and knew that her time was limited, but she was determined to progress her legal claim for justice. With my brother and me by her side and my partner driving the case forward in every aspect, despite facing denial and requests to end it, we never gave up.

“Thanks to the invaluable assistance of Leigh Day, and particularly the excellent support of Andrew Cooper, we feel confident that we have reached the settlement, closure and recognition that my mother so deeply sought. Her resolve to carry on with the case will not only honour her memory but also set an example for others facing similar battles, providing them with the inspiration to seek justice.”

Andrew Cooper, senior associate solicitor at Leigh Day said:

“Mary and her family showed determination and perseverance to pursue the claim, particularly in light of repeated denials of liability from the defendants and requests for the claim to abandoned. I am delighted that Mary’s family have received the recognition and compensation that they deserve.”