Widow of Acclaimed Musician Sues BBC over Asbestos Exposure:
Patricia Larkin, the wife of late horn player Christopher Larkin, has filed a lawsuit against BBC over his death from mesothelioma, according to a report from The Guardian. The lawsuit alleges that Mr. Larkin was consistently exposed to asbestos dust at BBC’s Maida Vale studios in London, where he played as part of the BBC Orchestra over a period of 36 years. Mr. Larkin died in April 2021 at the age of 73.Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibers. It often takes decades before symptoms appear. In recent years, there has been increased attention on exposing and preventing mesothelioma because it can be difficult to diagnose early on and treatment options are limited once diagnosed.BBC has acknowledged liability for Mr. Larkin’s death, although the company has come under fire for previously denying responsibility. It has since released paperwork documenting its knowledge of the presence of asbestos dust in the studio since 1984. Although the company took measures to remove asbestos from the facility, the lawsuit claims asbestos residue remained after those efforts were completed. Asbestos is no longer used in construction but can still be found in older buildings, such as Maida Vale.The high-profile lawsuit is likely to spark a slew of others as many other orchestra musicians and studio staff were likely exposed to the same environment as Mr. Larkin. The law firm bringing the suit against the BBC also represents the family of Edwin Dodd, a former violinist with the BBC Orchestra, who also played at Maida Vale and died of mesothelioma in January. This lawsuit is also likely to prompt renewed awareness of the dangers of mesothelioma and asbestos exposure even in unlikely places. Mesothelioma is common among industrial and construction workers who have been exposed to asbestos decades ago, but many people are unaware of how common asbestos exposure can be in other industries—in this case, the entertainment industry.
Contact the Madeksho Law Firm
The Madeksho Law Firm offers a free consultation for anyone diagnosed with mesothelioma, and there is never a fee unless we recover compensation on your behalf. If you or someone you love has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact the Madeksho Law Firm at 1-888-910-MESO (6376) for help, or contact us online.
