Monday, 29th October, 2012
The family of a man who died from cancer due to asbestos exposure have been awarded compensation.
In 2010, 82-year-old Peter Wilkins died of mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.
Mr Wilkins had already begun a claim for compensation against his old employers, Jewson, after he was diagnosed with the illness four months earlier.
After his death, his brothers and sisters continued to fight for compensation and won their battle two years later.
In an out of court payment, the family won ?70,000 compensation from Jewson, which is now trading as United Builders Merchants Ltd.
Mr Wilkins went to work for Jewson in 1976. Part of his duties involved cutting and repairing asbestos without safety advice, training, or protective clothing.
He had first started to show symptoms in 2008 but did not go to the doctor until his breathing became difficult.
His sister, Laura Harbour, 80 said: ?He was told he had mesothelioma when he had a scan at the hospital. They said it was due to asbestos.
?It wasn?t until he went to Harefield Hospital and they told him he didn?t have long to live, he just gave up, he didn?t eat.
?He could have had a lot more enjoyment out of life if he had survived to have the money.
?He wasn?t bitter, he never bore a grudge against anyone.?
The family solicitor said: ?Sadly Mr Wilkins? case is typical of what is happening now.
?Asbestos was widely used in the building industry in the 1960s and 70s and people who worked in the industry are now suffering as a result.
?The number of people dying from asbestos cancer is expected to peak in the next few years.?
Jewson declined to comment on the case.
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