Asbestos News
Widow of former UK painter seeks damages from man's employers
A legal battle has been launched for asbestos compensation from the former employers of a UK man who died due to malignant mesothelioma after allegedly being exposed to the carcinogenic substance throughout his working career.According to the Stroud News & Journal, damages are being sought from three companies accused of being responsible for exposing Victor Phipps to asbestos while he worked as a painter, laborer and decorator between 1981 and 1989.
The asbestos lawsuit claims that Phipps was often covered in toxic dust at the end of a shift, but had never been warned about the dangers of working with the dangerous material. The man reportedly began suffering breathlessness and severe chest pain in May 2008, and ultimately succumbed to the rare cancer mesothelioma the following September.
The former employers are being accused of negligence in failing to properly ventilate the workplace and protect employees, according to the lawsuit.
In addition to mesothelioma, exposure to asbestos can lead to the development of asbestosis and lung cancer. Overall, the World Health Organization estimates that such illnesses kill approximately 107,000 people around the world each year.
10/18/11
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