Family of Barnstaple Man Awarded Damages After Asbestos Death
Asbestos Dust
The family of a Barnstaple man who died as a result of his coming into contact with asbestos when he worked for a local door manufacturing company have been awarded substantial damages.
Kenneth Bracher, who lives in Chumleigh, Devon, brought the claim against his father’s former employers, Shapland and Petter, now called Newman Tonks Limited.
His father, Donald Bracher, died from asbestosis in January 2008. His former employers have agreed to pay £47,500 in compensation for the pain and suffering he experienced.
Mr Bracher worked for Shapland and Petter for much of his working life. The family’s solicitor, Brigitte Chandler, one of the country’s leading industrial disease lawyers and a specialist in asbestos disease, says she believes other former employees will have been affected by asbestos dust and should seek legal advice if they develop an illness relating to asbestos which is usually in the lungs
“Mr Bracher worked with asbestos lined fire doors, often in a small room, where he was expected to cut windows in these doors,” she says. “There was a large amount of dust in the air with minimal dust extraction.
“In fact two people who objected to the dust were sacked. Shapland and Petter were one of the largest employers in Barnstaple at the time. They did not provide protective masks or warn employees about the dangers of asbestos.”
Mr Bracher started to experience problems with his breathing in 2003. His condition deteriorated and he died in 2008.
“Asbestos was widely used in this company,” added Brigitte Chandler. “It is quite possible other members of the workforce may have or develop asbestos related problems in the future and it is well worthwhile pursuing a claim.”
The regional charity, the Swindon & South West Asbestos Group was set up to help asbestos sufferers and their families.
The charity will send out booklets, DSS forms and information about asbestos disease free of charge. They also have support groups for asbestos sufferers and their families. For further information contact 01793 813616, email info@asbestosgroup.co.uk or write to PO Box 2729 Swindon, SN1 4ZW.
Last 5 posts by Brigitte Chandler
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- Cheltenham Family Win Damages After Father Exposed To Asbestos at Gloucester Factory - September 30th, 2011
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