‘Significant settlement’ after asbestos exposure

A former contractor who was exposed to asbestos while working on a nuclear power station has been awarded a large sum in compensation.

Ronald Oiller was awarded the six-figure sum from his ex-employers more than 40 years after working on Dungeness B Power Station.

Mr Oiller, 69, of Romney Marsh, worked on the site for about a year and alleged that he was exposed to clouds of asbestos dust without being provided any breathing protection.

The father-of-four was tragically diagnosed with mesothelioma, a form of cancer caused by asbestos inhalation, in late 2018.

It is thought that the lengthy time scale between Mr Oiller’s exposure to asbestos and diagnosis of mesothelioma is typical of such cases.

His legal team alleged that his employers, Balfour Beatty Group Ltd, failed in their duty to protect him during his work.

The case was settled for a ‘significant’ sum, plus a financial guarantee that Balfour Beatty will pay for any private medical treatment for Mr Oiller’s condition.

This includes immunotherapy, a new form of treatement which is not currently available on the NHS, but which can be paid for privately.

Mr Oiller described the settlement as “an extremely welcome step”.

He has also thanked his legal team and support group for their help.

He said: “Every day I worry about what the future will hold for me and how my family will cope.

“However, it is a huge relief knowing that when my oncologist recommends further treatment, that my legal team have already secured agreement from the defendants that those costs will be covered.

“I’d also like to thank the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group (LASAG) for their emotional and practical support through this incredibly difficult time.

“I urge anyone in a similar position to contact them for support.”

Ron Oiller, centre right, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2018