Mesothelioma Sufferer Wins Cost of Private Treatment

A recent out of court settlement could give welcome relief to future sufferers of asbestos-related diseases who are seeking compensation. Former carpenter, Amarjeet Singh Dahele, won £400,000 in compensation from construction firm Thomas Bates and Son. As part of the settlement, Mr Dahele recovered the cost of private medical treatment – thought to be the first time this has been achieved in an asbestos case.

 

Mr Dahele was exposed to asbestos between 1975 and 1977 whilst working as a carpenter on three tower blocks in East London. Asbestos dust would shower down as scaffolding was moved around above him. He was also required to drill into asbestos sheets, causing further exposure. As a result, Mr Dahele was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a very aggressive form of lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Unfortunately, mesothelioma is difficult to treat and extremely painful.

 

As part of Mr Dahele's treatment, at St Bartholomew's Hospital in London, chemotherapy was administered. The treating consultant advised him that, whilst a further cycle of chemotherapy would be beneficial, the treatment would not be available on the NHS. Lawyers for Mr Dahele therefore added to his claim the cost of undergoing the treatment privately.

 

Shortly before the case was due to start, Thomas Bates and Son conceded liability and a settlement was agreed. The company arranged to pay £20,000 for Mr Dahele's private chemotherapy treatment in addition to other costs, including equipment and nursing, which brought the total to £400,000.

 

Although the private medical care element made up only five per cent of Mr Dahele's settlement, its inclusion is still an important factor. Other victims of asbestos-related illnesses are now likely to include these costs when bringing a claim for compensation. This will assist them in obtaining the best new treatments for mesothelioma, which are frequently expensive.