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Widower Received Compensation after his Wife Died from Mesothelioma

A Merseyside widower has received compensation after his wife died from asbestos-related disease mesothelioma.

Barry Bills from Ellesmere Port, Cheshire received the five-figure sum in compensation after his wife, Jean, died from meosthelioma in 2004.

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer of the lung, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Jean, 61, a mum of seven, was exposed to the dust after years of washing Barry’s overalls which were covered in asbestos.

Barry, 66, worked as a docker at Ellesmere Port docks for the Manchester Ship Canal Company for 15 years where he unloaded bags of asbestos from ships.

He said the bags would split as they were carried showering him in dangerous asbestos dust.

Asbestos Dust on Work Clothes

They were never told the substance was dangerous and although they asked to wear overalls, none were provided.

Jean used to shake the dust from his clothes before washing them at the end of a day’s work.

Barry said he felt angry when she was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He said he never believed that she could develop such a devastating cancer through his own work clothes.

He said: “When Jean was diagnosed I was angry. You blame yourself for working with the stuff. But in those days it was a job and you needed to work and we did not know it could kill you or your family.

“No-one told us about the dangers. Everything was dusty but we didn’t know what it could do to our health in the long term.”

Barry added: “No amount of money will fetch Jean back but she left behind seven children and the way she died is not fair on them. If things had been different she might still have been here with us all.”

Mesothelioma is a Devastating Disease

Diana Fos, North West regional head of asbestos at Thompsons Solicitors, the Legal Line's lawyers, Liverpool branch said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease which affects many of the dockers who worked in Liverpool as well as other tradesmen such as shipyard workers and as joiners, engineers and pipe fitters.

“Unfortunately we are seeing more and more cases of wives, children and even grandchildren developing asbestos-related conditions after being exposed to asbestos brought home on work clothes.

“We are pleased to have been able to secure this compensation for Mr Bills and his family but no amount of money can ever replace the loss of a loved one.”

Industrial Disease Compensation

If you or a member of your family have been affected by mesothelioma, or any other asbestos related disease, our specialist lawyers may be able to assist you in claiming compensation.

Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511 or by completing an online compensation claim enquiry form.