By: 10 April 2018
Irwin Mitchell secures significant asbestos settlement

Specialist Irwin Mitchell lawyers representing a former service engineer from Halifax who was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer have secured a settlement agreement that will cover the cost of any future treatments that he needs due to his illness.

The agreement extends to treatments that may not currently exist, or be available yet, offering peace of mind and flexibility to the former service engineer, the law firm said.

James Casey was told he had developed peritoneal mesothelioma, a cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen, the peritoneum, associated with asbestos exposure, after undergoing tests to investigate symptoms including fatigue and weight loss.

Following the diagnosis, he instructed Irwin Mitchell’s asbestos-related disease team to help him discover how he came into contact with the deadly material and gain justice regarding his illness.

After identifying his exposure most likely took place during his time working for North Eastern Gas Board between 1969 and 1980, Irwin Mitchell helped him to secure the settlement that will ensure that the cost of any medical treatment he needs in the future will be covered.

Ian Toft, partner and asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office who represents Casey, said: “This settlement is a hugely important step forward for victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos-related illnesses.”

“We had previously secured a deferred periodical payments order—or PPO—for another client which ensured his cancer treatment costs would be covered regardless of their amount or the length of support he needed.”

“However, this settlement for James builds on this further, as it includes the extra element of covering future unidentified treatments even if they are not currently on the medical radar at present.”

He added: “The ultimate benefit of such an agreement is simply peace of mind, as it ensures that our client does not face uncertainty regarding his access to treatment. Furthermore, with new treatments constantly in development but costs also on the rise, it ensures that our client will be able to benefit from whatever is required.”

“This is a hugely important development which ensures that those whose lives have been touched by the terrible legacy of asbestos can get the support they need at a difficult time.”