Asbestos and Mesothelioma Back in the Spotlight

Posted on February 11, 2025 in Medical Negligence
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It has been more than 25 years since asbestos was banned in the UK, but still kills an estimated 13 people every day, with Plymouth likely to be one of the UK’s unfortunate hotspots for those affected by mesothelioma, the incurable cancer that affects the lining of the lungs.

Given the history of building, maintaining and refitting ships at Devonport Dockyard, where many workers will have been exposed to asbestos, the region has seen more cases than might be expected for the size of population.

Good Morning Britain recently brought the issue once again into the spotlight, when young mother Emily-Jane Scandrett explained how despite many checks on her health during pregnancy, it wasn’t until nine months after giving birth to her son that she finally received the painful news she has the incurable disease.

Whilst many mesothelioma victims will have been exposed to asbestos some time ago, the interview on television on Friday, highlights how the disease can take years to appear after initial exposure and how diagnosis can take a long time too.

Support for those affected and their loved ones is critical when the diagnosis is made, to offer peace of mind to the sufferer that their immediate needs will be catered for, but also that their family will be looked after once they have passed from the cruel disease.

Navigating Mesothelioma together

A similar situation to that faced by Emily-Jane confronted our former client, when he too received a diagnosis of mesothelioma, the cruel and devastating asbestos-related illness.

His wife was a palliative nurse and recognised the urgency of seeking legal assistance and the couple turned to Wolferstans Solicitors for help. Dean Cruickshanks, the Head of Wolferstans’ Asbestos team, promptly visited them at their home, where their black lab, became a comforting presence during their meetings.

The home visits were crucial, considering the extent of our client’s breathlessness, allowing our client’s wife, now widow, and her husband to establish a genuine and supportive relationship with Dean and the wider team.

Unravelling unexpected exposure

Initially, they believed our client’s exposure to asbestos occurred during his service with the RAF, but a deeper investigation revealed that his primary exposure was whilst he worked for BT, not the Ministry of Defence as expected. Despite undergoing aggressive chemotherapy, our client faced physical pain, adding to the mental strain of a terminal diagnosis.

His wife made the decision to sacrifice her career to personally provide the end-of-life care that her beloved husband deserved. In our client’s final moments, he was surrounded by the warmth of his wife’s unwavering love and the presence of their devoted family, including their black lab.

Although compensation would not take away this cruel disease which shortened our client’s life, Wolferstans worked tirelessly and a substantial settlement was reached. This played a crucial role in ensuring our client knew that even after he passed, his wife was left comfortable without financial strain.

Transitioning to life after loss

After her husband’s passing, our client’s widow was able to arrange a graveside service at their local church, just as her husband had wanted, all made possible through their settlement. She found solace in the unwavering companionship of their loyal dog, who has proven to be a source of support for her since her husband’s passing.

A beacon of hope

Recognising the importance of her own journey, our client’s widow extends an empathetic hand to anyone facing a similar situation, turning her painful experience into a source of strength and guidance for those who face losing a loved one due to asbestos exposure.

She emphasises the importance of reaching out to professionals like Wolferstans Solicitors, acknowledging the difficulty of facing the unknown alone. Offering advice and support, she stands as a beacon of hope for those navigating the difficult journey of asbestos-related illness.

If you or someone you know has lost a loved one due to asbestos exposure, please reach out to Wolferstans Solicitors, where the dedicated team, led by Dean Cruickshanks and our asbestos specialists, are ready to provide compassionate support and legal expertise.

Remember, you are not alone - let Wolferstans be your support through challenging times