£150,000 claim over ‘asbestos death’
AN ALSTON woman whose husband died from asbestos related cancer has launched a legal battle for compensation of up to £150,000.
Robert Stewart, 81, died from malignant mesothelioma, a cancer of the tissues surrounding his lungs or abdomen, according to a writ issued in London’s High Court.
His widow Elizabeth Stewart, also 81, of Lauric House, Alston, Cumbria, is claiming damages from Burnsmith Ltd and SHSRGL Realisations Ltd, whom she blames for his death.
The writ says that Mr Stewart was exposed to deadly asbestos dust and fibres when he worked for Burnsmith, the successor to Wallsend Slipway Engineering Co, and SHSEGL between 1939 and 1969, and 1972 and 1984 respectively.
It says Mr Stewart worked for the company originally as an office boy and was later exposed to asbestos dusts and fibres when he worked for the companies in an engine shop and boiler rooms in shipyards on Tyneside.
Asbestos was used to lag turbines, and maintenance staff were based in the engine shop, continuously carrying out repairs, removing and replacing asbestos lagging, where Mr Stewart also worked the writ says.
It says Mr Stewart helped test engines and machines, and sometimes metal casings and asbestos had to be taken off, exposing him to asbestos.
He spent a year working in the ship repair department, and sometimes had to strip down pumps and machinery, working close to other tradesmen who were stripping off old asbestos lagging and replacing it, the writ claims.
His work was surrounded by old asbestos debris, and he was present when it was swept up, and when new asbestos paste was applied to pipework.
In 1972, he was promoted to senior management, and managed the stores for seven shipyards and the writ says his work took him on board ships which were being built or repaired he was again exposed to asbestos dust and fibres. Some of the stores buildings were also fitted with pipework lagged with asbestos, it is claimed.
Mr Stewart died from his condition on July 1, 2006.
Mrs Stewart accuses his former employers of negligence and says they failed to provide protective equipment, damp down asbestos, warn him of the dangers and provide a safe system and place of work.
source : www.cumberland-news.co.uk
