The family of a teacher who was exposed to asbestos at work have successfully made a compensation claim against her former employer.
Elizabeth Belt died of mesothelioma aged 68. This is a deadly form of cancer that is directly connected to breathing in asbestos fibres. Asbestos was routinely used as an insulating material in homes and schools before it was banned in 1999. The substance poses no threat while it lies dormant. However, when the material is disturbed the air can fill with the harmful dust. If breathed in, these microscopic fibres can irritate the lining of the lungs leading to a cell mutation. This can result in the development of mesothelioma many years later.
The deadly disease is most commonly associated with industries such as construction, building, boiler making and electronics.
However, this case demonstrates the far-reaching harm posed by asbestos.
Mrs Belt gave a statement before her death that documented how she had pinned children’s artwork to asbestos boards in her classrooms. Each time the artwork was changed, asbestos fibres could have been released into the air.
The coroner accepted that Mrs Belt’s death was due to asbestos exposure and her family have agreed on a compensation claim with their mother’s former employer, North Lincolnshire Council.
Mrs Belt’s daughter said, “It is a horrible, horrible disease. There is obviously a generation that worked with her in the same places. I suppose we are all angry, but I just think our sadness outweighs it.”
The family have not released information on the value of the compensation award.
Claiming for a Family Member
Tragically, mesothelioma is a highly aggressive form of cancer and it can be very difficult for a sufferer to make a claim against their former employer before they die.
The law allows the family member of a person who died of mesothelioma to make a claim against the deceased’s former employer. Employers have a duty to protect their workers from the dangers of asbestos and many employers failed to meet this standard. If an employer negligently exposed their employee to asbestos, the may be liable for damages.
Cases that involve a family making a claim on a loved one’s behalf can be complex, so contact our expert team of personal injury lawyers to find out how we can help.
How Do I Make a Claim?
Personal injury claims must normally be made within three years of the injury. However, this time limit is often not enforced in mesothelioma cases as the disease typically develops over many years.
The most important aspect of making a claim is choosing an expert personal injury solicitor who will fight to get you the maximum compensation.
Contact Mesothelioma Solicitors Today
Losing a loved one to an asbestos disease can be devastating for a family. Readers claiming in Scotland can find out how to get family law support from www.familylawedinburgh.co.uk and can click here for more information about executry (probate) support.
You can contact our legal team today by filling out our online enquiry form.
