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17th January 2008

Merseyside man suffering from asbestosis sues 4 former employers for £25,000

Asbestosis Victim recovers compensation

A Merseyside man who now suffers from asbestosis has successfully sued four of his six former employers.

The 79 year old former joiner from Southport, Merseyside, worked for a number of different firms during the 1950s and early 1960s and was regularly exposed to asbestos without warning or breathing protection.

Albert Flood is a member of leading trade union UNISON and brought his claim for compensation with the support of their personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors. As a result, four of his former employers - Pochin’s PLC, Cammell Laird Ship Builders Ltd, Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd and Sir Robert Lloyd - have been forced to pay a one off settlement of £25,000.

Asbestosis caused shortness of breath

Albert Flood comments: “It was such a shock when the CT scan revealed that I was suffering from asbestosis. My breathing difficulties have increased and I now get severe shortness of breath. I’ve had to buy a mobility scooter so I can get around outside. Because of the support of my Union and Thompsons, I can enjoy the benefit of the compensation now; this is a big bonus as I have no family to leave the money to.”

Glen Williams, Branch Secretary for UNISON said: “Mr Flood’s case proves just how beneficial Trade Union membership can be. Even if your exposure occurred before you became a member you may still be entitled to the benefit of Union legal aid. It also demonstrates the importance of keeping up your trade union membership upon retirement.”

Representing Albert Flood, Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors in Liverpool explains:

“It’s so difficult in cases like this to track down the companies who are no longer trading. Unfortunately we were unable to find all of the companies who had exposed Mr Flood to asbestos so he was unable to recover the full value of his claim. That said, he is very content with the damages secured.”

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed asbestosis or any other asbestos related disease as a result of working conditions, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim including claims for asbestos related illnesses. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.