Family win payout for dad's asbestos-related death
Summary
A family received over £1 million in compensation after Rick Oakes died from cancer caused by asbestos exposure during his work as a joiner in schools. Kirklees Council admitted fault and said it now follows strict safety rules to manage asbestos in buildings.Key Facts
- Rick Oakes died in 2024 at age 67 from mesothelioma, a rare cancer linked to asbestos.
- He was exposed to asbestos while working in schools for Kirklees Council years earlier.
- Kirklees Council accepted that it breached its duty to protect him from asbestos.
- The family raised more than £20,000 for charities supporting mesothelioma patients and care.
- Rick’s wife, Rachel, wants to raise awareness about asbestos dangers in public buildings.
- Irwin Mitchell law firm helped prove the connection between Rick’s work and his illness.
- Kirklees Council states it now follows modern safety standards for managing asbestos.
- Mesothelioma can affect people working in places like schools, hospitals, and plumbing jobs.
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