Rodney visited him at home in Hornchurch the next day, entered into a no-win no-fee agreement and took a full statement from him. Alfred had worked near laggers fitting asbestos whilst he was employed as a maintenance fitter between 1965 and 1990 by the Central Electricity Generating Board at Barking Power Station and by National Power at West Thurrock Power Station.
Rodney immediately notified his claim, commissioned a medical report on him from his treating oncologist, obtained his medical records and his employment history from HM Revenue, and sent the insurers’ the oncologist’s medical report together with a detailed eight page schedule of loss.
In order to put pressure on the insurers, he commenced High Court action on 12 August. On 14 August the insurers made an offer in settlement. Rodney persuaded them to increase it, and the case was settled later that day for £115,000. All this took place in the space of 25 days.