Client exposed to asbestos working at Padiham Power Station in the 1960s | Fieldfisher
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Case Study

Client exposed to asbestos working at Padiham Power Station in the 1960s

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair is smiling at the camera. She is wearing a dark blazer over a light blue collared shirt. The background is a blurred outdoor scene, possibly showing buildings and greenery.
Bridget Collier
A large yellow sign on a boarded-up wall reads "Danger Asbestos" in bold black letters, indicating the presence of hazardous material. The wall and sign show some wear, suggesting an older, possibly abandoned building. Dry leaves are scattered on the ground nearby.
Bridget's client Arthur Mather worked on the construction of Padiham Power Station, east Lancashire during the 1960s. As with all power stations under construction at that time, asbestos insulation was used extensively in the pipework and Mr Mather was exposed to the fatal dust generated by the laggers while he walked around the extensive premises.

Sadly, Mr Mather was 93 years old when he died, after about a year and a half of suffering symptoms of mesothelioma. He had previously been very healthy and the disease robbed him of at least three years of life.

His symptoms began just as the first Coronavirus restrictions were put in place, making it difficult to manage hospital appointments and care. His family looked after him and rearranged their work commitments to be there for him. Obtaining compensation for this element of the claim was important, but more relevant was the admission of liability from the insurers of his employer, WH Smith & Co (Electrical Engineers) Limited, who did not warn him of the danger of asbestos or provide any respiratory protection.

The company itself was in liquidation at the time of the claim against them, but this did not prevent a claim being pursued. Not only had the company ceased trading but also the insurers so that the compensation is met by the Financial Services Compensation Scheme (FSCS).

Bridget helped Mr Mather put together confirmation of his employment via HMRC and discussed various contracts like the power station where the use of asbestos is well documented.

With the insurers accepting responsibility for the claim, it was not necessary for Mr Mather to proceed to a Court Hearing and was able to receive the admission of evidence by the insurers.

Contact us

For further information about mesothelioma claims, please call Bridget Collier on 0330 460 6740 or email bridget.collier@fieldfisher.com.

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