Court Finds BP Liable to Pay Compensation to Family of Asbestos Victim
The High Court in London has found BP Oil UK liable to pay compensation to the family of a former employee.
Wilf Human worked at the BP Oil refinery on the Isle of Grain from 1957 until 1979. He died at the age of 82 in January 2005 from the fatal asbestos cancer mesothelioma. His widow, Edna Human, had promised him that she would fight for compensation.
Legal proceedings were commenced in the High Court by specialist personal injury solicitors Pattinson & Brewer. On 10th June 2008, the Court entered Judgment against BP and ordered the oil giant to make an initial compensation payment of £47,000. Final compensation will be determined at a trial in October 2008.
Representing the Human family, Paul Meehan, industrial disease specialist says:
"The Refinery at the Isle of Grain contained mile after mile of asbestos lagging. Mr Human was exposed to asbestos while working in the vicinity of asbestos laggers. Although I am pleased that compensation will be awarded to Mrs Human, it is important to remember that compensation is only a consolation. Mrs Human has lost her husband, partner and companion."
Wilf’s son, Robert adds:
"Prior to the diagnosis, Dad was so full of life. Afterwards, his health deteriorated quickly. He was in severe and constant pain and had terrible difficulty breathing. It was awful for my Mum to watch her husband in such pain."