The widow of an asbestos insulation lagger who contracted lung cancer and died because of his work has received a payout of almost £50,000 - 45 years after he left the factory.
Arthur Wolverson, aged 64, died in April 2005 after suffering a painful and aggressive form of lung cancer called mesothelioma. He worked for LR Burrows & Co in Landport Road, Monmore Green, Wolverhampton, for three years between 1959 and 1962.
His family will present medical evidence to the courts to help determine the total payout but in the meantime, his widow, 62-year-old Audrey Wolverson, from Wednesfield, has been awarded £47,000 from the company’s insurers.
The legal battle started in March when a writ was served on the firm in the High Court in London.
Speaking on behalf of the family, solicitor Terry Loughrey who specialises in asbestos cases, said: “The pressure on relatives in cases like this is very great.
“Often the loss of the spouse’s pension leaves widows in a desperate financial situation.
“Mrs Wolverson is still very upset about her loss and cannot come to terms with what has happened.”
He said the monies awarded are meant to leave widows in the financial situation they would have had if their spouse had not died.
Mr Wolverson’s deterioration started with breathlessness two years ago in February 2005.
On April 1, he was diagnosed as having mesothelioma and he died on April 27.
His job involved removing crumbling old asbestos from boilers and pipes and mix new paste from powder to replace it.
He did all this without breathing protection.
Mr Wolverson was one of thousands in the region to suffer from the effects of exposure to asbestos dust.
The wives of factory workers were also affected by being exposed to overalls covered in the dust.
Darius Burrows, managing director of L R Burrows has passed on his condolences to the Wolverson family.
Laura Trezise, a solicitor acting for his insurers said: “Breach of duty and medical causation have been conceded and we are in the process of awaiting further information to enable us to quantify the claim.”
The case will now go through a six months accelerated litigation process in order to determine the final amount awarded to Mrs Wolverson.
By Ciara Hill
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2 Comments
Dear Expess & Star
While I feel sorry for mrs Wolverson and her family for the loss of her husband, I cannot understand why compensation is being paid out for an industrial illnes which was apparently inflicted on mr Wolverson for a period he worked at a company from 1959 to 1962 surely Health and Safety act did not cover for such illnesses as asbestosis and to the best of my knowledge have only in recent years been diagnosed what caused the illness. I cannot see how the firm mr Wolverson can be held to blame unless knowledge of the cause of Asbetosis was known at the time.
My Dad died of cancer of the prostrate & bones after working for many years in heavy industry it appears that certain cancers are the magic word to material gain for the deceased person, their families and solicitors.
Some people die a lot younger than mr wolverson age 64 years but no compensation is forthcoming for their families.
I feel sorry for the late mr Wolverson and his family but it does not seem a fair system to me.
mr Jenkins
Dear Mr Jenkins,
Whilst I have every sympathy for anyone who suffers and subsequently dies of any kind of cancer, you must understand that Mesothelioma is only ever the consequence of negligent exposure to asbestos.
Employers have a responsibility to their employees and it is common knowledge that the Government knew as long ago as 1930 that asbestos was carcinogenic.
I find that opinions like these are born from ignorance, maybe you should read up on such a disease before making any comment.
Diane McLellan & Lynne Squibb
Hampshire Asbestos Support & Awareness Group