When figures revealed that 85 people in the Doncaster area had died from asbestos-related cancer over a four-year period, campaigners demanded that more support should be offered to those affected. The figures showed that 85 people, who had worked primarily in the industrial sector, had died from mesothelioma between 2010 and 2014. 6.2 deaths per 100,000 people were caused by mesothelioma in Doncaster, furnishing it with the 43rd highest mortality rate in England and Wales. The average rate for England and Wales is 4.4 deaths per 100,000 people.
“legacy of Britain’s industrial heritage”
The president of the non-profit organisation the Association of Personal Injury Laywers, Jonathan Wheeler, said that more support needs to be offered to those affected by the illness, and their families. He described the illness as “a legacy of Britain’s industrial heritage” and said that we must support those who worked so hard. He continued by stating that despite now having a strong understanding of the dangers posed by the fibre, sadly those that were exposed to it 30 or 40 years ago did not realise that they would be “facing death sentences for simply turning up to work”.
Mr Wheeler said that in some areas, support offered to those affected has greatly improved, however, many records have been lost and destroyed over time, often making it difficult to track the employers’ insurers. He said that despite the Government’s decision to set up a fund to help people suffering with the illness as a last resort, it does not cover those affected by other asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis. He said that this must change.
If you have been affected by an asbestos-related illness or have suffered an injury at work, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us.
