Mesothelioma Settlement Awarded to UK Widow of Cigarette Filter Factory Worker

A United Kingdom widow, June Bickle, was recently awarded compensation for the loss of her husband, Alan Bickle, to malignant mesothelioma.

Alan, 58, passed away from mesothelioma cancer on January 3 last year. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of mesothelioma cancer. Exposure occurs by either inhaling or ingesting asbestos fibers. These fibers have the potential to become lodged in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdominal cavity, where they can cause damage that leads to cancer.

Alan was occupationally exposed to asbestos during his employment at Filtrona cigarette filter factory in the United Kingdom. He worked for the company for 30 years as a turner and grinder. Filtrona initially denied that Alan was exposed to asbestos at their factory, but eventually withdrew that defense.

June said, “This was never about the money. It’s important that the use of asbestos is highlighted. The company denied it, and that made me really mad.”

Due to the latency period of mesothelioma symptoms, which can range between 20 and 50 years after exposure, the average mesothelioma life expectancy for patients upon diagnosis is four to 18 months.

June told the Shields Gazette, “Alan was simply the best. What made it worse is that Alan is thought to be the only employee at Filtrona to die of mesothelioma. The asbestos had lain dormant in his lungs for years. It’s all so cruel.”

Because of the long latency period associated with mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases, those with previous exposure to asbestos should seek regular medical assessments to check for signs of a developing asbestos disease. Early detection makes the greatest impact on treatment efforts and life expectancy.

Additional information on mesothelioma may be found through the Mesothelioma Center.