Widow angry at move by insurers to stop compensation for workers

THE widow of a Derbyshire worker who developed cancer after he became exposed to asbestos has labelled an attempt by insurers not to pay out compensation as "disgusting."

Sylvia Hewkin said her husband, Ronald, had no idea he was in danger while working for 20 years in the powder-making plant at British Celanese, in Spondon.

Mr Hewkin was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2005 but fought it until he died earlier this year.

Next week, the Court of Appeal will hear insurers as they bid to overturn the decision of a High Court judge who ruled they should pay compensation to victims of mesothelioma and their families.

Mrs Hewkin, 71, said: "It's not right at all.

"I think it's disgusting, really, that through no fault of their own people got this disease.

"They worked in places not knowing they were picking up this disease.

"Insurance companies sold policies and took money and now they are trying to get out of paying out. I find it totally disgusting."

Last year, a nine-week test case preserved the workers' right to compensation after insurance companies had argued that policies sold to employers did not cover their workers exposed to asbestos.

The appeal is set to last from Monday until November 27. If it is successful, all compensation claims could be blocked.

Ian Hall, 57, of Derby Road, Borrowash was diagnosed in January with mesothelioma and is trying to track down his former employer's insurance company.

He said: "I find it unbelievable that insurance companies are trying to get out of paying compensation.

"The firm I worked for when I became exposed to asbestos has gone bust but the liability is with the insurers.

"They take the risks by taking on that liability so I can't see how they can get out of paying out."

Joanne Carlin, of Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team believes insurers are stalling in paying out to victims, waiting for the outcome of the forthcoming appeal.

She said: "It is diabolical what they are trying to do.

"I know there are lots of cases being held up because it is unclear how the law is going to go.

"Insurers are still dragging their feet leaving people who have this form of cancer waiting for money they are due."

Nottingham solicitors Thompson's specialise in helping victims of mesothelioma and have won pay outs for a number of Derbyshire victims and families.

A spokeswoman for the firm said they were unable to comment on this latest development until after the Court of Appeal decision had been announced.