Woman agrees damages after father's asbestos death (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Woman agrees damages after father's asbestos death

11:39am Tuesday 2nd September 2008 in Swindon By Gazette Reporter

A Swindon woman has received £46,000 in damages after her father died as a result of exposure to asbestos at work.

Julie Clark made the claim against BRB Residuary Limited, the successors of British Rail and British Motor Holdings Limited, the former owners of the Rover Car Factory in Swindon.

Her father William Evans, who lived in Swindon's Old Town, died in 2005 from mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos at two separate places of work.

Mr Evans worked for British Rail in Swindon from 1934 to 1954 as a fitter, turner and erector, working in the notorious A Shop where large quantities of asbestos were used on boilers, pipes and cylinders on the old locomotive engines.

From 1954 to 1980 Mr Evans worked as a millwright for British Motor Holdings, the old Rover factory, where he was also exposed to asbestos which was used in the brakes and clutches on the presses and also on the tie rods.

Mr Evans was never given any masks or protective clothing or warnings about the dangers.

"Fortunately the case was settled out of court which was a great relief for Mrs Clark," said her lawyer, Brigitte Chandler.

"Unfortunately claims against British Rail for asbestos exposure have been running for over 30 years and are still arising because it can take up to 60 years for the illness to develop after exposure."

Mr Evans was 88 at the time of his death, a widower and had suffered from other infirmities for many years.

His frail condition meant he only suffered from mesothelioma for a period of five months.

"Many victims suffer for 18 months or longer," added Brigitte Chandler.

"The damages agreed with Mrs Clark reflect her father's age and other infirmities and the fact he did not have any financial dependants."