Boyes Turner represented Tim* following his diagnosis of mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer caused by exposure to asbestos dust during his work as a labourer in the 1970s. Exposure to asbestos Tim’s work involved travelling around the country as part of a team constructing squash courts. By the time he arrived on site, the walls had already been erected and his role focused on the finishing stages of construction, including roofing and cladding work. A significant part of the job involved handling corrugated asbestos cement roofing sheets known as “Big Six”. Tim carried the sheets onto scaffolding and used a 9-inch angle grinder to cut the corners from each sheet before fitting them to the roof. The cutting process created substantial amounts of asbestos dust which covered his clothes, face and hands. Tim recalled looking like “Frosty the Snowman” by the end of the work. He also cut, drilled and fitted asbestos cladding panels to the sides of the squash courts and installed barge boards where the roof and cladding met. No respiratory protection or other personal protective equipment was provided and he was never warned about the dangers of asbestos exposure. At the time, Tim was staying in digs during the working week and wore the same work clothes repeatedly before returning home at weekends, unknowingly exposing himself further to asbestos dust. Mesothelioma diagnosis and impact Tim remained fit and active for many years. However, in 2024 he began experiencing breathlessness, weight loss and a build-up of fluid on his lung. Following further investigations and a biopsy, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. The diagnosis came as a devastating shock to Tim and his family. Prior to becoming unwell, he had enjoyed gardening and DIY and lived a very active life. He has since become increasingly reliant on his children for support and assistance. The asbestos claim Although Tim’s former employer had long since dissolved, Laura Magson, Partner in Boyes Turner’s asbestos team successfully traced the company’s employers’ liability insurers and pursued the claim directly against them. It was alleged that Tim had been regularly exposed to harmful quantities of asbestos dust and fibres during his employment and that his employer had failed to take reasonable steps to protect him. The company knew, or ought to have known, about the dangers associated with inhaling asbestos dust but failed to provide adequate warnings, respiratory protection or safer working practices. Following detailed investigations and the gathering of witness and medical evidence, the insurers accepted that the claim could not be defended. An interim payment of £50,000 was secured for Tim shortly before Christmas 2025. After extensive negotiations, the claim settled for £200,000 gross. In addition, the Defendant insurers agreed to fund any future private treatment not available through the NHS. While no amount of compensation can undo the impact of mesothelioma, Tim and his family were grateful for the support they received throughout the claim. Tim’s daughter said: “I just wanted to send a quick note to thank you for everything you’ve done for my dad and our family with his case. It’s been a really difficult time for us and having you there to guide us through made a huge difference. You were always so clear, patient and kind, and we honestly felt like my dad was in very safe hands. We are so grateful for the outcome you achieved, but also for the way you supported us through the whole process. It meant more than you probably realise. Thank you again for all your hard work and care.” *names have been anonymised For more information about how the mesothelioma and asbestos disease claims team can help you or your loved ones after a diagnosis of an asbestos related disease, please contact the team by email on asbestos@boyesturner.com or by telephone on 0118 952 7199.
