Firm offers six-figure deal to family of asbestos victim

A NATIONAL company has offered a six-figure settlement to the family of a Sheffield man who died of malignant mesothelioma – a rare form of cancer - caused by repeated exposure to asbestos.

Dennis Bradley, who was 78 when he died, worked for British Gypsum, formerly Gyproc, for 28 years until his retirement in 1992. He came into regular contact with asbestos while working for the company at construction sites and through his role as an instructor at the company's training school.

Mr Bradley was a fit and healthy man who spent many years of his life committed to the Cathedral Archer Project, a charity for the homeless in Sheffield of which he was a director and trustee.

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In March 2009 when on a family break in the Lake District, Mr Bradley suffered chest pain. On returning home, the pain persisted, leading him to seek medical advice.

After being sent for an x-ray, he was admitted to Royal Hallamshire Hospital for 10 days in order to have fluid drained from his lungs.

Two months later he was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma, and underwent radiotherapy and chemotherapy. He died in February. He leaves a wife of 57 years, two daughters and a grandson.

One of his daughters, Wendy Bradley, said: "What happened was awful – you could see him fading day by day. He was a lovely guy who would do anything for anybody.''

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Partner Simon Allen at Russell Jones and Walker in Sheffield, who represented Mr Bradley said: "Mr Bradley's life was shortened and he endured significant pain during his final months due to the correct precautions not being taken, despite the known risks.

"It is deeply saddening that the defendants didn't offer a settlement while he was still alive, in order to provide some sort of peace and security for his final days.

"In Mr Bradley's case, it has been noted that he came into extensive contact with the substance Artex, which was applied to interior walls and ceilings.

''While most people are aware of the dangers of asbestos, they may not be aware of some of the materials in which it can be found. Artex is one of these highly dangerous materials."

No one from British Gypsum was available for comment.

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