Halesowen father dies months after illness payout
A retired company director died from asbestos-related cancer just over a year after receiving almost £200,000 in compensation paid on behalf of his former employer.
Martin Rudge was awarded the £192,000 settlement after being diagnosed with mesothelioma following exposure to asbestos while working as an apprentice carpenter at Halesowen Joinery Ltd.
But this month Mr Rudge died aged 62 at his home in Belbroughton Road in Halesowen – just 15 months after receiving the compensation.
At an inquest at Smethwick Coroners' Court, Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain concluded that Mr Rudge died from an industrial disease.
His son Glen, who lives in Birmingham, told the hearing that his father was diagnosed with the cancer in December in 2012 after being given an X-ray for a chest infection.
He said: "When he left school he joined Halesowen Joinery and used to work on the benches making fire doors – the sheets of asbestos were bought in and sawn next to him. He was there for five to six years."
Mr Rudge, who was divorced and had two children, worked at Halesowen Joinery from 1966 to 1974. The company no longer exists.
He later went on to run a window company with his other son, Gavin.
But after suffering a chest infection and shortage of breath, he went to the doctors and was later diagnosed with mesothelioma, the inquest heard.
Using solicitors Irwin Mitchell, he won a legal battle for compensation and aimed to use the cash to pay for treatment and cover a loss of earnings after he was forced to reduce his working hours at his window fitting business.
At the time, he said: "Nothing can turn back the clock but at least now I can now concentrate on spending as much time as possible with my sons."
