Six figure settlement for family of former electrician after asbestos cancer death

The electrician, who we have named David, worked at Francis Shaw & Co, a manufacturing company in Manchester between 1960 and 1975, then between 1977 and 1987.

Throughout his time at the company, David worked on constructing machines which would manufacture tyres. During construction, an asbestos paste would be applied to the machines before they were encased in aluminium.

Due to the size of the machines, the asbestos application process was a long one and resulted in a large amount of dust being released into the air, with up to six machines being worked on simultaneously.

David also undertook electrical work around the factory, which involved running cables alongside asbestos lagged pipes. This resulted in asbestos dust being disturbed and breathed in by David.

Having since retired, David passed away in February 2022 aged 77. His family then instructed the asbestos team at the law firm Leigh Day to investigate his death. David had previously given evidence for a former colleague diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.

A medical expert was then instructed who concluded that David’s death was caused by mesothelioma, despite this diagnosis not being achieved in lifetime. This, along with the evidence David gave in his colleague’s asbestos case providing a record of his own exposure, allowed a case for compensation to be pursued.

Upon the evidence being brought, David’s former employer admitted liability and agreed to a six-figure settlement of just under a quarter of a million pounds.

The settlement figure will now help support David’s family, including his adult daughter who relied on her father’s support.

David’s family were represented by Leigh Day partner Steven Dickens, who works in the firm’s asbestos team in Manchester.

Steven Dickens said:

“When I was approached about this case, David’s family were in a very difficult situation after he had sadly passed away. They suspected that David’s death may have been asbestos related, given his recollections of his working conditions and the testimony he gave in his colleague’s asbestos case. This prompted further investigation and after evidence was provided by a medical expert supporting the case, a settlement was agreed with David’s former employer. This highlights the importance of witnesses coming forward to support cases brought by others. I hope that the settlement can help support David’s family following their tragic loss.”