Between 1960 and 1970, Bob Unstead worked for Kitsons, starting out in London before moving to Exeter where he was exposed to asbestos. We acted for Bob, and his wife Tracey, following his diagnosis with mesothelioma.

During Bob’s employment as an insulation contractor he worked in schools, police stations, hospitals, and the Plymouth Docks across Falmouth, Redruth, Camborne, Torquay and Honiton, applying wet asbestos lagging in boiler rooms. When Kitsons started asbestos removal work, Bob was provided with inadequate  protection and was exposed to asbestos again.

Kitsons denied their use of asbestos and fought hard against the claim. Dan Easton, partner at Leigh Day, gathered supporting witness evidence from Bob’s former colleagues, other Kitsons’ employees we had represented and consulted an expert engineer to provide a detailed report on the asbestos materials and Bob’s past exposure.

As Bob ran his own business, we used an independent accountant to work out how much the claim was worth and instructed two very experienced asbestos barristers, ensuring Bob and his family had the very best representation possible.

We were able to resolve the claim at a settlement meeting  avoiding the need to go to trial and received  court approval of the settlement, which is a legal requirement where children are involved.

Although court proceedings were issued urgently, sadly Bob succumbed to his illness aged 62 before the case was concluded and we continued the claim for his widow and young son.

Tracey said:

“From the start of our journey, Daniel, his team and Leigh Day have been there when we have been at our most vulnerable which in such cases is so very much needed and for which a ‘thank you’ is simply not enough. Our lives will never be the same again but our son has a chance to realise all of his ambitions with his Dad watching over him.”