Former Swindon Railway Worker Dies After Developing Asbestos Disease

A Swindon man, who died earlier this month, received £111k in damages from British Rail after developing asbestos related cancer.

Dennis Archer, 85, of Linslade Street, Swindon worked for British Rail for over 15 years and left their employment in 1963. He regularly worked in an area where train coaches were sprayed with blue asbestos.

His solicitor, Brigitte Chandler, a partner with Swindon law firm, Charles Lucas & Marshall and who has represented many hundreds of railway workers over the last 30 years, says Mr Archer had been in very poor health since he was diagnosed in June 2009 with mesothelioma cancer, invariably caused by asbestos.

“Mr Archer started suffering discomfort in his chest two years ago,” she said. “I am pleased I was able to settle the claim on his behalf with British Rail before he died.”

BRB (Residuary) Limited, the company with responsibility for the British Rail works in Swindon, agreed to settle the claim out of court.

“The damages are to cover Mr Archer’s illness as well as the nursing care and other expenses he incurred,” says Brigitte Chandler.

Sacks of asbestos lay all around the area where Mr Archer was working. Repairs carried out to damaged vehicles often resulted in paneling being cut off, exposing workers to asbestos insulation.

“Fortunately the claim was settled out of court which was a great relief for Mr Archer,” says Brigitte Chandler. Unfortunately the area where Mr Archer earlier worked was notorious for using large quantities of asbestos and there have been other deaths from employees working in the same area in the 3 and 4 Shop.

“Claims against British Rail for asbestos exposure have been running for over 30 years. Even though the works were closed 25 years ago, cases are still arising because it can take up to 60 years for the illness to develop after exposure.”

British Rail accepted they were negligent in not providing Mr Archer with any masks, protective clothing or warning him about the dangers of asbestos.

Please contact Brigitte Chandler on 01793 511055 or brigitte.chandler@clmlaw.co.uk