High rate of asbestos deaths in Tamworth

Posted: August 24, 2015

Posted in: Asbestos Exposure Employer Negligence Industrial Deafness and Disease Mesothelioma 

Recently released figures have revealed that 23 people in Tamworth died from the asbestos-related lung cancer mesothelioma between 2010 and 2014. Campaigners argue that more needs to be done to help sick and dying workers, with 7.5 deaths per 100,000 people caused by the illness in Tamworth. It currently stands as the 17h highest mortality rate in England and Wales for the illness.

The president of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), Jonathan Wheeler, said that the asbestos-related disease is “a legacy of Britain’s industrial heritage”. APIL, a non-profit organisation, campaigns for the rights of workers affected by the illness and offers support to their families.

“those exposed are now facing death sentences”

Mr Wheeler said that fortunately, we are now a lot more aware of the effect of asbestos exposure than we were 30 to 40 years ago. He said: “those who were exposed … are now facing death sentences for simply turning up to work”. He said that it is now of the utmost importance that those affected by the disease win the compensation they deserve to ensure that they can spend the rest of their life in comfort.

Mr Wheeler added that supporting those affected is not always straightforward, with a lot of records lost and destroyed over time, making former employers’ insurers impossible to track down. He said: “There is now a Government fund of last resort for them to turn to in that eventuality but it doesn’t quite go far enough.” He said that the fund needs to include other asbestos-related illnesses, such as asbestosis, to ensure that all those affected are entitled to damages.

If you have been affected by an asbestos-related illness, and are looking to claim compensation, please contact us. 

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