Rolls Royce Aero engineer in Derby awarded settlement for Mesothelioma
2013 - Mr C received payment in excess of £300,000
Rolls-Royce Limited was founded in 1906 by Henry Royce and Charles Rolls at the Midland Hotel in Manchester, and produced its first aircraft engine in 1914. Asbestos was thought of as an ideal material for use in aircraft as it is a lightweight mineral with very effective heat insulating and fire resistant qualities. Due to the fire resistant properties of asbestos, it was used in the construction of engines and fuel tanks. Asbestos was also used as insulation around lighting sockets and wiring and in electrical outlets.
Rolls Royce employees who worked in and around those areas in the 1950s and 60s may have been exposed to asbestos dust.
In a few rare cases, this exposure may result in developing mesothelioma later in life.
Exposure to asbestos at Rolls Royce
Mr C worked as a graduate apprentice in engineering for Rolls Royce Aero Engines Ltd in Derby. He worked there for 2 years in the late 60s on a training programme which provided experience throughout Rolls Royce. Specifically, he worked in the design and manufacture of a unit, capable of measuring thermal conductivity of solid material at high temperature.
Part of the design process required the construction of a box made from thick asbestos sheets as an insulating material. Once a week, his co-workers were away on a course and Mr C was left in the project office making the asbestos box by drilling, sawing and filing the asbestos.
At that time, he considered that the task was no different to drilling or sawing wood. After work, he had to sweep floor and the surfaces and had to tip the contents, including the asbestos dust, into a bin. Mr C considers that the exposure to asbestos, that eventually lead to developing mesothelioma, came from breathing in this airborne asbestos dust.
There was little ventilation and no extractors in the project office. Rolls Royce did not provide masks or protective clothing and did not give any health warnings as to the dangers of working with asbestos.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma after working at Rolls Royce?
A large amount of compensation was awarded in this case. This was partially determined by the fact that after leaving Rolls Royce, Mr C set up a company to supply aircraft spares worldwide. The company was successful and the £300,000 payment secured by our solicitors took into account projected loss of earnings.
If you were a Rolls Royce employee and came into contact with asbestos, we may to able to help you to claim compensation. You can contact us by calling our freephone number 0800 923 0046 and ask for Kathy Cooke or Warren Miller.
Solicitor
Helen Childs
Lead Solicitor
Helen is our lead solicitor and a partner at Royds Withy King Solicitors. Helen is recognised as a Leading Lawyer by the Legal 500, where she is described as an exceptional partner with a huge capacity for work and an unerring willingness to fight for her clients and an excellent knowledge of asbestos litigation.. Read more >
