Local Dockyard pays out over £35m in compensation to workers previously exposed to asbestos

A recent freedom of information request has shown that more than £35 Million in compensation has been paid out to workers at Devonport Dockyard who were exposed to asbestos whilst completing their day to day duties.

As a result of the work that was previously carried out within the Dockyard and the lack of protection provided to the workers, Plymouth has one of the highest rates of asbestos related illnesses in the Country.

A variety of asbestos related illnesses can be contracted by inhaling asbestos fibers which were rife within the Dockyard as asbestos was used for everything from lagging pipes through to the insulation of ships. This can cause conditions such as pleural plaques, pleural thickening, asbestosis, lung cancer or even mesothelioma.

The Ministry of Defence has now confirmed through a Freedom of Information request that they have settled 273 cases relating to asbestos exposure within the Devonport Dockyard since 2006. The amount of compensation paid out to these workers who had been exposed to asbestos during that period is currently £19.4 million however this continues to rise as more cases of asbestos exposure are brought forward.  Since 2001 the Ministry of Defence has paid out £35.3 million to workers within the Dockyard which have been exposed to asbestos.

If you have been exposed to asbestos whilst working in the Dockyard and have subsequently been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness or are experiencing breathlessness the Ministry of Defence has confirmed that they will continue to meet their responsibility with all claims submitted in the future.

Wolferstans have over 30 years experience in dealing with these claims and have successfully acted for many of these victims and continue to offer a local specialised legal service to recently diagnosed, both past and present, dockyard workers and their families as well as for other workers who were exposed to asbestos in different employments.

Please contact our specialist department on 01752 292260 or 01752 292334 to enquire about how we can help you bring your claim forward on a No Win No Fee basis.