Family Receives £90,000 for Asbestos Death

The family of a former shipyard worker who was exposed to asbestos in more than one job has won compensation from three of his former employers.

William Galloway began working as a lagger when he was 16 years old, and was exposed to asbestos during that time. He later worked at a number of factories in Birkenhead and then on the Merseyside docks. He retired at the age of 58.

More than 15 years later, Mr Galloway, who was a keen walker and dancer, began to notice that he was suffering from shortness of breath after exercise. He had previously been able to take part in such activities without discomfort.

In late 2008, he suffered a small stroke and a hospital X-ray revealed a growth on his lungs. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer associated with asbestos exposure, which can kill its victims quickly. Mr Galloway died just five months after being diagnosed with the illness.

It is regrettably common for mesothelioma sufferers to die before receiving any compensation to which they are entitled. Mr Galloway had commenced a personal injury claim against his former employers and his daughter continued the claim after his death. Following negotiations, a settlement of £90,000 was agreed with the companies involved as well as a payment of £2,400 to the hospice where Mr Galloway spent the last weeks of his life.