Asbestos Claims: Seeking Justice for Exposure at Historic Sites
Asbestos exposure has long been a serious health concern, particularly for those who worked in industries where the hazardous material was widely used. In Northern Ireland, locations such as Turner’s Factory in Ballyclare and at the Royal Victoria Hospital have been linked to asbestos-related illnesses, leading to legal claims from affected individuals and their families.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Dangers
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that was once commonly used in construction, manufacturing, and shipbuilding due to its heat-resistant and insulating properties. However, it is now known to cause severe respiratory diseases, including asbestosis, lung cancer, and mesothelioma—a rare and aggressive form of cancer with no known cure.
Many workers unknowingly inhaled asbestos fibres, only to develop symptoms decades later. As a result, those affected have pursued legal action to seek compensation for their suffering.
Turner’s Factory, Ballyclare: A Legacy of Exposure
Turner & Newall, a company historically linked to asbestos production, had a factory in Ballyclare where workers handled asbestos-containing materials. Employees at Turner’s Factory were regularly exposed to airborne asbestos fibres during the manufacturing process. Unfortunately, many of these workers later developed asbestos-related illnesses due to prolonged exposure.
Former employees and their families have pursued legal claims, arguing that they were not adequately informed of the dangers or provided with protective measures. Cases linked to the factory highlight the long-term impact of industrial asbestos use and the responsibility of employers in protecting workers.
The Nursing Building at the Royal Victoria Hospital
Hospitals, like many public buildings constructed in the mid-20th century, often contained asbestos in their insulation, ceilings, and pipework. the Royal Victoria Hospital and the hospital accommodation blocks are structures where asbestos was used, potentially exposing healthcare workers, maintenance staff, and even patients to the dangerous fibres.
While those who worked in industrial settings faced the highest risk, secondary exposure—where individuals inhaled asbestos fibres brought home on work clothes—has also led to legal claims. Some nurses and hospital employees who spent years in asbestos-containing environments have developed related health issues, leading them to seek compensation.
Legal Action and Compensation for Victims
Asbestos claims typically fall under personal injury and industrial disease litigation, where victims or their families seek damages from responsible companies or public bodies. These claims can cover:
- Medical expenses and ongoing treatment costs
- Loss of income due to illness
- Pain and suffering
- Compensation for bereaved families
In the UK, legal firms specializing in asbestos claims help victims navigate the process of filing for compensation. Given the long latency period of asbestos-related diseases, claimants often rely on historical records and witness testimonies to prove their case.
Raising Awareness and Preventing Future Cases
While asbestos use has been heavily regulated and even banned in many countries, legacy asbestos remains a risk in older buildings. Regular inspections, safe removal procedures, and strict health and safety regulations are essential in preventing further exposure.
If you or a loved one have been exposed to asbestos in locations such as Turner’s Factory in Ballyclare or the Nursing Building at the Royal Victoria Hospital, please get in touch with Oonagh McClure on 02891817715 or by email oonagh@boydricesolicitors.com
We offer a free initial consultation where we will confidentially discuss the circumstances of your accident and will assess how we can assist you in the best way possible. We use leading experts to investigate accidents and our team of medical practitioners are extremely experienced.
Oonagh has extensive experience in handling injury claims arising from exposure to asbestos dust and is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers and a member of the Forum of Complex Injury Solicitors.
