Asbestos claims in Plymouth, Bristol and the South West

Each year, thousands of individuals and families are affected by the devastating impact of asbestos exposure. Over 5,000 deaths occur each year because of mesothelioma, asbestosis, lung cancer, and other diseases like pleural thickening. Asbestos symptoms and diagnosis often occur decades after the initial exposure, and it is crucial to seek justice for those harmed. 

The southwest counties of Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Avon, Gloucestershire and Wiltshire have a long and proud industrial history, that sadly left a terrible legacy of asbestos diseases. This is especially true for former workers in dockyards, shipbuilding, railways, engineering and construction. If you were exposed to this harmful building material you could have a claim for compensation, no matter how many years have passed since the exposure occurred.

Experts in our field

Unmatched Expertise: For over 30 years, Leigh Day has been at the forefront of asbestos litigation, securing landmark decisions and advocating for victims' rights. We've supported the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum UK in the Supreme Court and championed key issues protecting victims and their families. We work hard to secure the compensation our clients are entitled to for a wide range of claims, notably mesothelioma claims. Our experience and knowledge is recognised by national charity Mesothelioma UK, of which we are a proud supporter and legal panel member.

Local Knowledge, National Impact: Our specialised local team, led by Andrew Stinchcombe, focuses on the southwest's unique industrial history. Andrew has lived and worked in the southwest for 25 years, his clients benefit from his vast experience and knowledge of the various sources of asbestos exposure unique to the region. He is accredited by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers as an Asbestos and Occupational Disease Specialist. 

Andrew has successfully represented hundreds of clients, including workers from Devonport Dockyard in Plymouth, Avonmouth Docks in Bristol, and Falmouth Docks in Cornwall. His work spans various sectors, representing tradesmen exposed to asbestos dust at Hinkley Point power station in Somerset, former railway employees at Swindon Works and those involved in construction at Bath University. He's also secured successful claims for carpenters, plumbers, and electricians from smaller firms, as well as employees in educational institutions and hospitals in Exeter, Torquay, and Bristol.

Comprehensive Claims Support: Our extensive experience ensures that every claim is handled with precision, empathy, and determination.

Our specialist team works tirelessly and with compassion to support you through this difficult period. To start your asbestos compensation claim, one of our expert lawyers will assess your case and determine whether you have a claim. They will then help and support you in taking the next steps to pursue compensation, including gathering evidence to support your case.

Contact us today to discuss your case and explore your compensation options. Our commitment to you is unwavering, and we will support you every step of the way. 

Understanding Asbestos Exposure in the southwest

Across the southwest asbestos material was commonly used in many different industries and workplaces. The Plymouth region has been recognised for many years as an asbestos hotspot, with the sixth-highest rate of male deaths from mesothelioma in the UK. Industries all over the southwest used the material for various purposes for many decades. 

Dockyards

The Devonport Royal Dockyard in Plymouth, the largest naval base in Western Europe, heavily relied on asbestos during the 1950s and 1960s. Its heat-resistant and non-flammable properties made it a staple in insulating pipes and boilers, and asbestos sheets were used to line compartments.

Due to the confined workspaces anyone nearby would be exposed to asbestos dust, which also contaminated their clothing, affecting their families at home. This widespread exposure led to numerous cases of asbestos-related diseases among dockyard workers.

Shipyards

The shipbuilding industry, for example Appledore shipyard in Devon, is associated with the highest rates of pleural thickening and mesothelioma. Asbestos was widely used at all stages of the construction process for its insulation and heat-resistant properties.

Plants and machinery were covered with asbestos lagging for insulation purposes and asbestos sheets were used to line cabins and other areas on ships. This could affect various roles in the shipbuilding industry, especially carpentry, as they were responsible for cutting and fitting the sheets.

Railways

Swindon Works served as the principal West of England railway maintenance centre for over 100 years. Asbestos was used extensively throughout the site for insulation, fire protection and sound proofing. The rates of mesothelioma became so high that it was known as the “Swindon Disease.”

Engineering

Engineers in the southwest often encountered asbestos in various environments. Although engineers may not have been directly exposed, they could have overseen or closely collaborated with others who were. Mechanical, civil, stationary, heating and electrical engineers were often vulnerable to secondary exposure.

Construction

In the construction trade, asbestos was commonly used in ceiling tiles, floor tiles, Artex, corrugated roof sheets, and lagging for insulating pipework and boilers. Workers across different trades, including joiners, carpenters, plumbers, and painters, faced exposure risks both on and off-site. These occupations are commonly held by those diagnosed with mesothelioma and asbestos-related lung cancer in this region.

Our personal injury experts are specialists in securing compensation for asbestos and mesothelioma exposure in the southwest.

Leigh Day in Bristol:
Castlemead
Lower Castle Street
Bristol
BS1 3AG 

Tel: 0117 2331094

Leigh Day in Plymouth:
4th Floor Salt Quay House
Plymouth
Devon
PL4 0HP

Tel: 01752 422160

Please note these offices are not permanently staffed and meetings are by appointment only. Incoming post is centralised due to hybrid working arrangements and should be sent to Leigh Day, Panagram, 27 Goswell Street, London EC1M 7AJ.