£190,000 for Merchant Navy officer in mesothelioma claim

Alan* joined the Merchant Navy as an apprentice in the early 60s, to become chief officer in 1975 and continuing to serve until 2002.

Over a significant time, Alan was exposed to asbestos passing through areas of ships containing significant amounts of asbestos and also while carrying out repair work that involved removing and replacing panels containing asbestos without any protection. Exposure was unavoidable and the employer negligently failed to ensure Alan's health and safety.

It was not until 2024 that Alan began to develop symptoms caused by the asbestos exposure. After going to his GP concerned with breathlessness, Alan was sent to A&E where scans revealed fluid on a collapsed lung. After further investigation, Alan was diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Alan began immunotherapy in December '24, which he has been responding to well. Because the NHS can only provide the therapy for a maximum of 2 years, after this, Alan will need to fund further treatment privately.

Fieldfisher was instructed to pursue a claim against Alan's former employers for the substantial exposure to asbestos during his employment. Alan worked for numerous employers over the 40-year period: Furness Withy, Prince Line Ltd, Johnston Warren Lines and Shaw Savill & Albion Co Ltd. Fortunately, all of these were subsidiaries of the Maersk group, enabling the claim to be made against a single defendant.

Complications then arose around the claim regarding the defendant's insurance policies, possessing a separate insurance provider for land-based claims and sea-based claims. Upon analysing Alan's extensive contemporaneous diary from his time serving in the Navy, the team was able to establish that he had spent an adequate amount of time exposed to asbestos both on land and at sea to pursue both insurers, maximising the chance of early settlement.

Following the support of Alan's diligent documentation as well as extensive expert reports, the matter was settled in September 2025 for £190,000. Notably, this offer also contained an agreement from the defendant to pay for further suitable private treatment for the client, meaning if Alan's condition continues to be stabilised by immunotherapy after two years, he will be able to continue this treatment privately to extend his life expectancy and quality of life.

*Name changed

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For further information about mesothelioma compensation claims, please call Andrew Morgan on 0330 460 6737 or email andrew.morgan@fieldfisher.com.

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