What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a material made of fibres and is widely used in construction as it is strong, heat – resistant and cheap. However, when asbestos breaks apart, the fibres can become airborne, and if inhaled they are incredibly harmful to lungs. Long–term exposure to asbestos can lead to several different health conditions such as mesothelioma, asbestosis/fibrosis, asbestos related lung cancer and pleural thickening.
In which sectors is asbestos found?
Sectors such as construction, shipbuilding, manufacturing, and engineering are commonly known to be associated with asbestos. However, healthcare, education and public sector buildings also contain asbestos, placing maintenance staff, teachers and administrative staff at potential risk.
Asbestos does not discriminate. While men are more commonly affected due to historically working in high-risk industries like construction, women are also at risk – particularly because many buildings constructed between 1930 and 1980 contain asbestos materials.
How can women in these roles be exposed to asbestos?
Women working in the healthcare, public or administrative sectors can come in to contact with asbestos in several different ways such as cleaning, office renovations and working near boiler rooms or old file storage areas.
Success story
Mary, a Ministry of Defence worker in Devonport Dockyard, was just 66 years old when she received the devastating diagnosis of asbestos-related mesothelioma – an incurable cancer, almost always caused by inhaling asbestos dust.
Wolferstans has extensive experience supporting dockyard workers affected by asbestos exposure. However, Mary’s case was different. She hadn’t worked on the navy ships, where asbestos exposure was widespread and the Ministry of Defence failed for decades to protect its employees. Instead, Mary worked as a clerical officer in several buildings within the dockyard, buildings that, unbeknownst to her, also posed a serious risk.
She described filing documents in dusty basements alongside pipes lagged with asbestos. Wolferstans discovered that many dockyard buildings contained asbestos. The MOD admitted responsibility for exposing Mary to asbestos and soon sent a £50,000 payment “up front” to assist with anything she might need whilst she faced her illness.
The claim eventually settled for a substantial six figure sum.
Fortunately, Mary remained well for longer than doctors had initially expected, allowing her to enjoy precious time and holidays with her family before, tragically, passing away as a result of her exposure to asbestos. Mary’s daughter, Julie, expressed the following:
“My mum was diagnosed with Mesothelioma in 2015, with no possibility of recovery and was referred to Liz Makin at Wolferstans.
She was treated sympathetically and with great respect in an extremely challenging period of her life. Liz became her confidant and a shoulder to cry on.
My mum brought a case for compensation, which could have been far more traumatic, had it not been for the compassion and support my mum received from Wolferstans”
How can Wolferstans Solicitors assist you?
At Wolferstans Solicitors we are shining a light on the silent epidemic affecting women who have been diagnosed with asbestos-related illnesses.
Contact Wolferstans today on 01752 292212 or personalinjury@wolferstans.com for a free no obligation consultation.