A former navy man died after he was exposed to asbestos, an inquest has ruled. David Topliff, known as Sailor Dave, served in the Navy for 22 years. He died of pulmonary asbestosis in May this year. He had worked on a number of ships over the years, and was chief petty officer when he retired. Ships he worked on included the HMS Victorious and Exmouth. His son, also called David, told the inquest that his father had never worked directly with asbestos.
He said: “He started off in the kitchens and worked in the stores. “He loved the Navy, even though that’s what got him in the end.” As well as his long Navy career, Mr Topliff had worked as a security guard at the Derby Telegraph in the 1980s.
Pathologist Dr Andrew Hitchcock spoke at the inquest at Derby and South Derbyshire Coroner’s Court, stating that his examinations revealed evidence Mr Topliff had suffered pulmonary fibrosis and pneumonia.
“Mr Topliff had multiple pleural plaques, which are related to exposure to asbestos,” Dr Hitchcock said.
He recorded pulmonary asbestosis as the cause of death.
Mr Topliff’s son said his father had discovered that the asbestos had impacted on his lungs about nine years before his death, however “he didn’t really ever talk about it.”
He was admitted to the Derby Royal hospital in April with breathlessness and several days later, was admitted to the intensive care unit, which is where he passed away.
Assistant coroner Louise Pinder concluded a verdict that Mr Topliff died from an industrial disease.
She said: “The inference was that he was exposed to asbestos above background levels.
“There was a lengthy period where he was likely to have been exposed.”
If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of asbestos exposure, Russell Worth solicitors can help you. Our highly experienced industrial disease solicitors have helped hundreds of victims of asbestos exposure. Vist our dedicated website www.asbestosis-claims.co.uk or call 0800 028 2060 to speak to one of our friendly team.