
Mr Hoyos worked for Norwich Union Building Society from about
1969 until about 1996. He was employed by them at their offices in
Cambridge from about 1969 until 1990.
Whilst working for the defendants, Mr Hoyos had to visit the
filing rooms in the basement of the employer’s premises to retrieve
files. There were boilers in the basement.
Mr Hoyos recalled service pipes running through the storage
rooms, being mounted on walls or being suspended from ceilings,
which ran a little above head height.
The employer’s files were kept in timber racking which was
constructed close to the pipe work from the boilers. It was Mr
Hoyos’ case that this working atmosphere was contaminated with
asbestos dust and fibres.
In addition, the employer undertook substantial building works
at the premises over a period of many months.
Mr Hoyos believed that those building works generated asbestos
dust and fibre in the air which he inhaled as he went into and out
of the premises.
Towards the end of 2003, Mr Hoyos began complaining of a throat
or chest infection. In December 2004, he developed breathing
problems.
He underwent investigations and drainage of the lung followed by
a biopsy in 2005. As a result of that biopsy Mr Hoyos was diagnosed
as suffering from
mesothelioma.
Andrew
Morgan was instructed to pursue a mesothelioma compensation claim on behalf of
Mr Hoyos on a no win no fee basis.
A statement was taken from Mr Hoyos and from supporting
witnesses who worked with Mr Hoyos at the Cambridge premises
between about 1969 and about 1972, after which time the exposure
effectively ceased.
Sadly Mr Hoyos died from his disease in August 2006. Mr Hoyos’
widow carried on with the claim. In September 2006, a few weeks
after the death of Mr Hoyos, the claim was settled for £135,000
compensation. In addition, Norwich Union agreed to pay Mr Hoyos’
legal fees.
For further information or if you
have a mesothelioma
compensation claim, call Andrew Morgan on
020 7861 4036 or email andrew.morgan@fw.com
You can discuss your mesothelioma
compensation claim with any of our mesothelioma claims lawyers on
freephone 0800 358 3848, email
personalinjury@ffw.com
or complete our short enquiry form.