Family of former lagger at Chatham Docks receives compensation for asbestos cancer

The lagger, who we will refer to as Tim, was employed by Chatham Docks for about six months between 1975 and 1976.

Tim worked on board vessels as they were undergoing refit and repair. He worked in ships’ engine rooms stripping out asbestos lagging from pipes. Removing the asbestos lagging created clouds of visible asbestos dust.
 
The asbestos lagging debris was left on the floor and was constantly trodden and kicked around as laggers worked. Tim and his workmates had never been warned of the dangers of asbestos, so they innocently threw balls of the asbestos waste at each other for fun. The lumps of asbestos lagging crumbled to dust on impact.
 
Tim was given a mask with a filter to wear, but it was ineffective, and he continued to breathe in asbestos dust.    
 
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2023 at the age of 83.  By the time of his diagnosis, Tim was too ill to undergo a biopsy, and his diagnosis was confirmed by his radiology scans.  
 
Tim died a few weeks after instructing the personal injury team at law firm Leigh Day to investigate a legal claim. His family, who live in Gillingham, Kent, continued the claim on behalf of his estate.  
 
The Ministry of Defence was informed of the claim as Tim’s employer at Chatham Docks. No admissions were made but a six-figure settlement was agreed after legal proceedings were issued.  
 
Senior associate solicitor, Catriona Ratcliffe, who represented Tim and his family said:  
 
“Tim was extremely unwell by the time he was diagnosed with mesothelioma and sadly he passed away only a couple of weeks after I first met him. Fortunately, he was able to provide detailed evidence which allowed a claim to be established after his death. Although Tim did not live to see the conclusion of his case, I hope the outcome will offer some closure to his family.”