Family of ‘fit and healthy’ father-of-four, 67, who died of asbestos cancer from school jobs wins £1million compensation after court battle with council

The family of a ‘healthy and healthy’ father of four who died of asbestos-related cancer after working at a school has been awarded £1 million in compensation.

Rick Oakes, 67, of York, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in February 2022 and sadly passed away nearly two years later on July 4, 2024.

The rare disease, which affects the inner surface of organs and is caused by exposure to asbestos, can take years to develop after contact with the toxic building material.

Mr Oakes encountered the harmful fibers decades before he was diagnosed while working as a carpenter in schools in Kirklees, West Yorkshire.

An inquest ruled he died of an industrial disease; His employer, Kirklees Council, admitted it had failed to protect him from exposure.

His widow, Rachel, 51, said: ‘Rick was healthy and fit before his diagnosis and loved playing golf and going on holiday with our family.

‘It was incredibly sad for him to suddenly no longer be able to do the things he enjoyed.

It was awful to watch Rick suffer, knowing there was nothing we could do.

‘We miss him every day, and although nothing would change what happened, we felt we had to continue the journey he started and get him the answers he deserved.’

Mr Oakes began experiencing breathlessness in November 2021 and received his terminal diagnosis just three months later.

He initially received chemotherapy on the NHS before accessing private immunotherapy in 2023, but his condition continued to deteriorate.

The father had already launched a legal battle against Kirklees Council over his illness and his family continued this fight after his death.

Lawyers acting on their behalf argued that the local authority had failed to protect him as an employee.

The case was taken to the High Court, where the council accepted breach of duty and the family has now received compensation.

Mrs Oakes said her husband was determined to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestos: ‘Rick believed strongly that people should be aware of what asbestos could do.

‘He knew that many people believed this was a historic problem, but asbestos is still present in many buildings today and poses a risk if dealt with.

‘All we can hope for now is that by sharing Rick’s story we can help raise public awareness and prevent future generations from losing loved ones to asbestos cancer.’

After the diagnosis the family were supported by charities including Mesothelioma UK and Yorkshire and Humberside Asbestos Support Group.

Last year Ms Oakes held a charity garden party in York which was attended by 200 people.

The meeting raised more than £20,000 for organizations supporting people with terminal and asbestos-related diseases.

Irwin Mitchell, a spokesman for the family’s legal team, said the case was a reminder of the ‘horrible legacy’ left by asbestos in public buildings.

Partner and solicitor Nicola Handley said: ‘The last few years have been incredibly difficult for Rick’s loved ones, who understandably struggled first with his mesothelioma diagnosis and then sadly having to come to terms with his death.

‘While nothing can make up for what happened, we are happy to get the answers the family deserves.

‘We hope the settlement will bring some kind of closure to Rachel and Rick’s other loved ones after what has been an incredibly sad time.’

Kirklees Council said it took health and safety ‘extremely seriously’. BBC reports.

‘Our practices have changed significantly as our working practices have evolved,’ the local authority said.

Officials said they now adhered to ‘the highest modern safety standards in the management and monitoring of asbestos in our buildings as part of a robust asbestos management plan’.

Kirklees Council has been contacted for comment.