Campaigning for victims of Swindon Disease

1:58pm Monday 19th November 2007

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DETERMINED lawyer Brigitte Chandler has received hundreds of bouquets. And a drawer in her home is full of cards bearing feelings of thanks that go beyond language.

The flowers are hard earned. The ambitious solicitor, who was once described as having the character of a terrier' because she never lets go, has clawed back seemingly impossible compensation for workers who have died from asbestos.

Companies having gone bust, sparse evidence and formidable insurance firms all stood in her way.

Many cases have taken years, but Brigitte has scraped proof to outwit the heavy legal might of large firms.

"Railway workers don't have much money," she said. "But insurance firms have billions and can instruct experts. An ordinary working man can't.

"These honest men give their lives to one company and have had hard, dirty jobs. Many of them just want to enjoy their grandchildren - they are deprived of it all."

The partner at Charles Lucas & Marshall in Old Town has fought cases others have written off.

Her wins are now pored over by law students, as she has set legal precedents.

One case - Rees vs Mabco - where a worker unwittingly brought dust home, which killed his wife, went to the Court of Appeal.

Brigitte recalls it as a massive case involving lawyers from all over the country.

"I love my work," she said. "I have no intention of retiring.

"I hope to see the asbestos season out, as a rise is predicted."

Brigitte who devours detective novels and belongs to a book club, has never married or had children.

Instead she has devoted years to pursuing the rights of families destroyed by a mineral they once thought was harmless, in spite of powers knowing otherwise.

Her tireless efforts push legal complexities for justice.

"I would like to fight a case in the House of Lords, as so few cases go there," she said.

"I like to develop the law and get firsts for the benefits of my clients."

As a young student she was particularly drawn to the Law of Tort - the French for wrong.

"I'm very much a people person," she said. "I wanted to use my legal knowledge to help others"

Originally from Bucking-hamshire, she has always worked in Swindon, which she loves.

And with cases of mesothelioma - the Swindon Disease' - so frequent, Brigitte's world-renowned expertise is desperately needed.

Many of her clients have now died, which saddens the lawyer, but she knows the compensation has provided some comfort.

"The thank you' cards are a reminder to keep fighting. I keep them all," she said.

One card reads: "Without your expert guidance and determination my family would have received nothing.

"I trust you will continue to help many more families whose lives have been affected by this dreadful disease."

After 30 years Brigitte has already shown she will not stop.