Canadian Expat receives compensation following husband's exposure to asbestos in the 1950s

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17 May 2020

We acted for Brian Hardman in a claim for compensation for his asbestos-related condition mesothelioma. Brian was employed by Bolton-based firm G & J Seddon’s between 1957 and 1961.

He was exposed to asbestos when he installed suspended asbestos ceilings tiles including in a school gymnasium. He had to cut the asbestos tiles down to the correct size.

He cut and installed 8’ x 4’ asbestos sheets, drilling holes in them to fit them in place. He fitted these sheets in places where asbestos had been sprayed onto ceilings to provide insulation.

He installed asbestos fire doors fitting hinges and handles to them. He did all this without being provided with a mask and whilst having to take his dusty clothes home to be washed.

Brian married Joyce on 5th September 1959 whilst still working at Seddon’s and they left England behind to start a new life in Canada in 1966.

Brian wasn't exposed to asbestos in Canada. His only exposure to asbestos was in England.

Over 50 years after he left the UK, Brian was diagnosed with mesothelioma at the age of 83.

Brian contacted us following his diagnosis. Vital evidence was taken from him about his exposure to asbestos before he emigrated to Canada.

Unfortunately shortly after we were instructed, Brian died of mesothelioma but as Brian’s’ evidence of his exposure to asbestos had been obtained, the claim was continued by his widow, Joyce.

G & J Seddon accepted responsibility for Brian's claim. They accepted that he was exposed to asbestos in breach of the law which existed at the time and a six-figure negotiated settlement was reached which will help Joyce and her family financially for the rest of her life.

Helen Wilson, Solicitor for Mr & Mrs Hardman said “We see a number of case each year for people who have left England, often many decades ago, believing they were leaving that life behind only to then go onto develop asbestos related conditions from their work here. It was important in Brian’s case that the evidence was obtained quickly so that his case could be pursued as he was no longer in touch with any work colleagues in England having left so long ago. I hope that the compensation will be of some use to Joyce and her family in the years ahead.”