An inquest has ruled that the death of a former painter and decorator was a result of asbestos.
82-year-old Leonard Newman would frequently be exposed to dust particles containing asbestos through his work but “thought nothing of it at the time”. He sadly died at his home in Totton, Hampshire, in June this year after developing mesothelioma, a condition which develops as a result of asbestos exposure.
Coroner Grahame Short said at the inquest: “I am satisfied that this was a death due to industrial disease and he died as a result of mesothelioma.”
The case is a stark reminder of the dangers associated with asbestos in the painting and decorating industry and the tragic consequences that exposure to the substance can have. Workers in the industry would have not been provided with any protection from asbestos, nor told to take any health and safety precautions, as the dangers associated with exposure to dusts containing asbestos was not known.
Gavin Moat, Industrial Disease Solicitor at Russell Worth said: “This is a very sad case involving a gentleman that was unaware of the risk in being exposed to asbestos at his time of work. As a result Mr Newman was given no protection to shield him from the dust particles he was regularly exposed to.
“Mesothelioma is an awful disease which develops following exposure to asbestos. The inquest sadly ruled that mesothelioma was the cause of Mr Newman’s death.”
At Russell Worth solicitors we are assisting people daily who have become ill after being exposed to asbestos with no protection in the past. If you or a loved one are in this position and need legal representation, call our experienced team on Freephone 0800 028 2060 or visit our website www.compensation.co.uk for more information.