Scrap company ordered to pay out over worker’s asbestos-linked death

Vera Booth, from Kippax, Leeds, died in 2009 aged 87 having contracted the terminal lung cancer mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos while working for Morley Waste Traders Ltd, up until 1981 when she retired.

Her daughter, Shirley Cherrington, 71, turned to experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell as her mother’s employers denied responsibility.

Now a judge at Leeds County Court has ruled that her mother was exposed to asbestos during 40 years at the site, latterly operated by the company, and that this exposure caused mesothelioma.

Ben Mitchell, industrial illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell in Leeds, who represented the family, said: “Having heard the evidence from the directors of Morley Waste Traders, the court was left with little option other than to conclude that Mrs Booth was exposed to significant amounts of asbestos dust through no fault of her own.

“She worked in the same place on Lock Lane, Castleford, for more than 40 years, doing hard, poorly-paid work to support her family, and simply could not have contracted the illness anywhere else.”

Mrs Booth was not provided with a face mask or told of the dangers. Her daughter said: “Justice has been done, and whilst the damages may go some way to righting the wrong, I would happily give the money back and more, to have my mother still here.”

The firm was ordered to pay substantial damages and legal costs.