The BBC News recently published a report detailing a campaign for compensation which has been launched for people who, although they may not have had direct (primary) exposure to asbestos, may nonetheless have had indirect or secondary exposure. They are most likely to have been exposed through contact with family members who have worked with or been exposed to asbestos during their employment.
Victims who have contracted Mesothelioma, a type of cancer, from exposure to asbestos in the course of their work can claim compensation from the insurers for the company responsible.
In 2014, recognising difficulties where insurers could not be traced, the UK Government introduced the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payments Scheme to help victims claim compensation. However, this scheme is restricted to victims exposed to asbestos during the course of their employment i.e. primary victims only. It does not apply to assist the victims of secondary exposure, such as associated family members. The aim of this recently launched campaign is to have the Government extend the scheme to such secondary victims, who currently have no means to seek compensation if an insurer cannot be traced.
If Asbestos fibres have been inhaled and have lodged in the lining of the lungs, this can cause Mesothelioma. The most common area affected is the lining of the lungs and chest wall. Unfortunately, there is no cure for Mesothelioma and ultimately it will be fatal. The condition will not immediately affect victims and symptoms normally take a long time to appear.
Secondary victims will include wives and children of asbestos workers who have come into contact with the dust and fibres indirectly, often as a result of washing their husband’s or father’s work clothes.
According to statistics from the Health and Safety Executive although the number of male deaths as a result of asbestos exposure is far greater than females, in 2015 407 women died from Mesothelioma, and the numbers are increasing.
In 2016, it was reported that a retired doctor’s receptionist died of asbestos-related cancer after being exposed to asbestos whilst washing her father’s clothes during the 1960s when he worked at the docks. She had also washed her husband’s clothes, which may also have contained asbestos fibres.
If you think you have been affected by asbestos due to exposure, whether in the course of your work or as a secondary victim, please contact our specialist team who can provide support and advice.
