Industrial disease news
01/02/2011

Former heating engineer died from asbestosis

A verdict of death through industrial disease was recorded by the deputy coroner of Lancaster on a man who spent much of his working life being regularly exposed to asbestos fibres.

The 68-year-old, who had also suffered from Alzheimer's disease since 2006 and lived in a nursing home, contracted a chest infection in August 2010 which was not improved with antibiotics and he developed bronchial pneumonia.

After being moved to the Royal Lancaster Infirmary he suffered a respiratory arrest and subsequently died.

A consultant histologist reported that the death was a direct result of asbestosis.

A post-mortem examination found the retired engineer had evidence of asbestos exposure in his lungs, including pleural plaques and pulmonary fibrosis, as well as some fibres.of the material.

The victim's widow told the hearing that her husband had worked on heating and plumbing systems throughout much of his life.

Following the inquest result, she may now wish to consult a no win no fee solicitor to be able to pursue her husband's former employers for compensation for the industrial illness caused by his work-related exposure to asbestos.