Settlement for family of former Cardiff mill worker who died aged 48 from asbestos-related cancer

The man, who we have called John, worked at the Arjo Wiggins paper mill in Cardiff between 1992 and 1999.  As part of his job, he had to clean up dust and debris resulting from damage and construction works to the buildings.

During his time working there, John handled cement sheeting, corrugated roofing sheets, roof insulation material and pipe lagging. He described the environment as being extremely dusty, and that the dust would go in the air and get on his clothes. John was not given a mask or any protective gear to wear while he worked.

In May 2022, John was diagnosed with mesothelioma, and subsequently instructed specialist asbestos solicitors at Leigh Day to investigate a claim against his former employer.

Leigh Day’s investigations at a Cardiff archive revealed extensive documents which included evidence about the use of asbestos in the fabric of the buildings at the paper mill where John had worked.

Court proceedings were subsequently issued against John’s former employer, Arjo Williams, but sadly he died shortly after from mesothelioma, just a few months on from his diagnosis.

Following John’s passing, Leigh Day continued the claim on behalf of his wife. Arjo Wiggins refused to admit liability, so a request was made for a judge to consider the case.

At a contested court hearing, the judge was persuaded that Arjo Wiggins had no realistic prospect of defending the claim. The judge then determined that the company was liable for exposing John to asbestos and causing his subsequent death.

Information from multiple experts was then gathered to calculate the appropriate damages for John’s wife based on the support John had provided for her.

After this evidence was gathered, a substantial settlement was successfully negotiated out of court.

John’s wife said:

“I felt confident in Daniel and his team at Leigh Day. They were excellent with communication and always took time to ensure that I understood everything as the case progressed. I felt as though they genuinely cared about me and had my best interest in mind. I am grateful for all that they have done for me and my case.”

Leigh Day partner and joint head of industrial disease department Daniel Easton, who represents John’s family, said:

“We are pleased to have reached a settlement for John’s family after his incredibly sad passing at the age of just 48. The evidence uncovered as we investigated this case clearly pointed to the presence of asbestos in the factory where John had worked, with a judge also coming to the same conclusion. While nothing can truly make up for John’s death at a relatively young age, we hope that the compensation can help support John’s wife and family after his loss.”