A 53 year old saleswoman who developed mesothelioma after exposure to asbestos working for Marks and Spencer in London, has won her claim for compensation in the High Court.

If you or a loved one is suffering from a work related illness or disease, call Imperium Law for 'No Win-No Fee' legal advice and a review of your case on 0800 633 5730.

Claim case:

Mrs A worked for Marks and Spencer in two London stores between 1978 and 1987.

In 2013 she was diagnosed with mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lung caused almost exclusively by exposure to asbestos.

Marks and Spencer admitted liability for her illness as she had been negligently exposed to asbestos whilst working for the retailer.

Claim payout.

Marks and Spencer made Mrs A,  who is terminally ill with just months to live, an offer which was rejected. The case went to the High Court where a significant undisclosed sum was awarded to her.

This claim paves the way for other workers who have suffered illness after being exposed to asbestos.

It is the first case in which a judgment has been given in court for an employee who did not work directly with the substance, but became ill after exposure whilst working on the shop floor .

Who can claim compensation?

This case shows that you do not need to directly work with asbestos to go on and develop mesothelioma or asbestosis. Exposure to asbestos can happen in any working environment such as working as a salesperson for Marks and Spencer.

Compensation has also been paid out to family members of workers who have brought asbestos fibres and dust home on their clothing.

Claim case.

Once such case was that of Mrs H who lost her husband to asbestosis after years working as an electrician.

To find out about making an industrial illness claim call us on 0800 633 5730.

Shortly after his death Mrs H also became ill and was diagnosed with the same cancer. Sadly her cancer was caused by her exposure to the asbestos dust which her husband had brought home on his works clothing.

It was proved that her cancer was linked to washing her husband's works overalls week after week for several years. The case also went to court and she was awarded over £700,000 in compensation.

Health and Safety at Work.

Your employer is required by law to protect you from harm at work, to do this your employer must:

• make regular Health and Safety checks of the working environment.
• train you on how to carry out your job in a safe manner.
• ensure all machinery and equipment used is properly maintained and repaired.
• offer you protective clothing and equipment.

If your employer has failed in their duty of care and you have suffered illness because of this failing, you are entitled to make a claim for compensation.

To find out if you are entitled to compensation call our industrial illness team on 0800 633 5730 or fill in our contact form and we'll call you back.