Mesothelioma is a ‘long tail disease’. That is to say, there is a very long time between exposure to asbestos and the onset of the condition. So a common problem for people with mesothelioma is that former employers who exposed them to asbestos may no longer be in business. It may also not be possible to trace any insurance that the employer may have had at the time. It used to be the case that people in that position would not be able to bring a claim as there would not be anyone to make a claim against. Thankfully for those like Bob, who have encountered occupational exposure to asbestos and developed mesothelioma, there is now a scheme in place to compensate people in his position. Making an application to the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (“DMPS”) requires some hard work but is a potential avenue for claimants like Bob to receive compensation. Circumstances of asbestos exposure Bob’s working career started in 1957 at the age of 15. He got his start at a small electrical business through a contact of his father, and commenced an electrical apprenticeship shortly after. When first starting hisapprenticeship,p Bob was mainly helping the qualified electricians with basic tasks. The youngster had no experience, but what he lacked in experience he made up for with determination and a willingness to learn. As his apprenticeship progressed he started gaining more experience wiring, and after some time was able to work independently. Although he enjoyed his time with the smaller company he decided to change employers and gained work with Belmore (Electrical) Ltd (“Belmore”) in 1961. Belmore mainly completed residential work in both new and older buildings. Bob and his colleagues would do electrical wiring and re-wiring work through the houses. Although his work scope had grown, it was during his stint with Belmore than he had heavy and regular asbestos exposure. During his time with Belmore, Bob regularly worked alongside other trades people. He worked near these individuals regularly when he completed his tasks. Bob recalls the different sites having asbestos lagged pipes and other lagging in between the joists in the properties. He remembers seeing asbestos lagging being applied by the tradesmen. Asbestolux sheets were used frequently for fireproofing. On site the carpenters would see the Asbestolux sheets to size using manual tools. The Asbestolux sheets were used in a variety of places including on boiler doors, and Bob recalls seeing the Asbestolux panels being fitted into place once cut to size. When working in lofts, he would encounter asbestos insulation on the floor and between the joists. The insulation was seemingly harmless and looked like grey candy floss. Without knowing its dangerous potential Bob would move, rip and tear apart the degrading and hairy insulation to complete his wiring work. Dust would cover his hands and clothing. The dust created by Bob’s handling of the insulation would mimic smoke in a bar and linger in the loft due to the lack of ventilation. The dust would eventually settle either on the ground or seemingly on every spare spot of his clothing. He recalled the floating dust stinging his eyes, inevitably causing his to rub his itching eyes. Eventually Belmore finished all the big contracts it had, and not much new work came through. It became much quieter and Bob gained employment with Leake Bros Ltd (“Leake”) between 1963/64 and 1968/69. He again encountered carpenters sawing Asbestolux sheets, and remembered the worksites being dusty and dirty. The onset of mesothelioma symptoms After his time with Belmore and Leake, Bob continued working. As a result of complications with his prostate and a desire to spend more time with his wife, Bob slowly reduced his workload and ceased working in approximately November 2023. At the time of doing so he felt well in himself, but wanted to spend more time enjoying the smaller things in life like going for walks in the woods and watching football games. In the spring/early summer of 2024, Bob was getting more and more breathless on walks. His GP advised that his lungs sounded “fluid-y” and referred him to Frimley Hospital for further investigations. At the hospital, it was confirmed that Bob had a large fluid build-up that needed to be drained. From the fluid taken a sample was sent for testing and a biopsy was later scheduled. After taking the biopsy, Bob was told that the sample was being sent to London for a second opinion. In May 2024 he was told that he had developed the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma. The claims process Bob’s diagnosis came as a shock. The retired electrician was put in touch with the asbestos support group HASAG, and he contacted Boyes Turner in November 2024. A home visit was arranged straight away. Although both Belmore and Leake appeared on Bob’s HMRC history, insurance could not be traced for either employer for the periods of his employment. Although disappointed that a common law claim for compensation could not be pursued, the team at Boyes Turner worked with Bob to lodge a detailed application to the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (“DMPS”). Bob’s evidence of exposure to asbestos met the necessary requirements to bring a claim under the statutory system and he received a lump sum payment in March 2025. “Thank you so so much for all you have done for us. With your help it has given me a little more security through the rest of my time”. 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.
