We recovered compensation for a
mesothelioma victim who was exposed to asbestos because she lived
near Central Asbestos Limited in London.
Our client, Sheila Wincott was born in May
1936. She lived in South London, near the Central Asbestos Company
Ltd. from the age of 16. She lived there for over 8 years
and during this time she was exposed to asbestos dust by the
company.
Many years later in July 2009, at the age of
73, Sheila developed problems with her chest and two months
later was diagnosed as suffering from the asbestos cancer,
mesothelioma.
Sheila initially instructed another
London-based law firm to conduct her claim. They obtained
a statement and undertook some investigations but decided that the
claim was too risky for them and declined to offer a “no win – no fee” arrangement.
Sheila then contacted Andrew Morgan in July 2010.
Andrew visited Sheila at home to take a
new statement. He explored the circumstances of her exposure in
more detail. He obtained details of other witnesses, close
relatives and friends, who might be able to help. He made a
claim against the company and obtained a medical report.
Central Asbestos Company
Ltd. ceased trading many years ago but Andrew was able to
identify the insurers and threatened Court proceedings.
The insurers agreed to enter settlement
talks. Shortly before proceedings were due to be issued, the
defendant offered to settle the claim for £120,000, near enough
to the full value of the claim. Sheila was happy to
accept the offer. We were very sad to learn
that Sheila died on 17 July 2011.
Speaking about the case, Andrew said:
"Neighbourhood exposure cases can be
very difficult, especially where the exposure happened so much
earlier than 1965, the date when the dangers of low levels of
asbestos became widely known.
"This case shows that it is possible to
obtain substantial compensation even in the most difficult of cases
but also shows the importance of choosing expert
solicitors."
For further information or if you have a mesothelioma
compensation claim, please contact
Andrew
Morgan on 020 7861 4036 or email
andrew.morgan@ffw.com