Dying Letchworth carpenter given six-figure pay out by council

A DYING carpenter has received a six-figure pay out by a council after he was exposed to asbestos.

Father-of-two Michael Brandon worked as a carpenter for North Herts District Council for three years from 1979, maintaining council buildings and houses where he regularly came into contact with asbestos.

Last year the Letchworth GC resident was diagnosed with a terminal lung disease mesothelioma caused by exposure to the deadly dust and asked lawyers Irwin Mitchell to investigate the cause.

A settlement for the 69-year-old grandfather-of-five has now been agreed by the district council’s insurers, it was announced today (Thursday). The exact sum has not been disclosed.

Mr Brandon, who has been married to his wife Diane for 35 years said: “When we were told my diagnosis we just couldn’t believe it. Diane and I thought we had many more years together with our family, but I am being robbed of that. It is very hard to come to terms with.

“I have had chemotherapy and other treatments but I know there is nothing the doctors can really do. I just don’t want my family to see me suffer.

“I hope my case highlights the devastating impact asbestos can have on people’s lives. I was never warned of the dangers that the dust could pose despite most businesses being aware of the risks involved and I was never given any protective clothing.”

Joanne Jefferies from Irwin Mitchell, who specialises in asbestos disease cases, said: “Although nothing can turn back the clock, we have secured a vital settlement from North Hertfordshire District Council which provides Michael with the comfort of knowing that his family are provided for in future. Through no fault of his own he was exposed to asbestos but he has now received some justice for the negligence he suffered 30 years ago.”