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News Desk | News Story
17th January 2011
Caterpillar worker’s family receives asbestos compensation
Died of mesothelioma
The family of a Unite the union member has received compensation after he died from an asbestos related cancer.Denis Aspin from Earl Shilton, Leicester, was 64 when he died from mesothelioma in November 2008. He left behind his wife, Diane, his daughter and four stepchildren, including his disabled stepdaughter Nicky.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer of the lining of the lung and stomach. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and the disease develops decades after exposure to the dust.
Exposed to asbestos at work
Mr Aspin was exposed to asbestos while working for Caterpillar UK’s Desford factory. He was as an assembler from 1979 until 2008, when he took voluntary redundancy.
During that time he worked in a warehouse alongside the maintenance department where asbestos was used. Asbestos was also present in the heating system.
He was never warned that asbestos was being used nearby nor of the dangers.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma
Mr Aspin went to his GP in September 2008 after suffering from breathlessness. He was diagnosed with mesothelioma and underwent surgery. Sadly he died in November 2008 after returning to hospital for a secondary operation.
Before his death he contacted his trade union Unite, and instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to claim compensation from Caterpillar UK.
His autistic stepdaughter, Nicky, 35, needs round the clock care. His daughter Yvette is at university and he was concerned about their future.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
Following his death Diane continued his claim. Thompsons were successful in securing compensation from Caterpillar in an out of court settlement.
Diane said: “It is impossible to describe how my husband’s development of mesothelioma and subsequent death has affected our family. We are all completely devastated. I don’t think we will ever recover emotionally from the fact that he worked hard all his life, retired and then almost immediately was diagnosed and died within a couple of months.
“Denis decided to pursue compensation as he was worried about how we would cope financially. We have one daughter at university and another who is severely autistic and relies on 24-hour care.
“This compensation will allow us to ensure that their needs are provided for but no amount of money will ever make up for my husband’s death.”
Mesothelioma affects many people who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace
Adrian Axtel from Unite said: “The union willingly supported Mrs Aspin in her claim for compensation. Sadly mesothelioma is a disease which affects many of our members who were exposed to asbestos in the workplace but were never warned of the dangers or protected by the employer.”
Reuben Greenwood from Thompsons Solicitors added: “This settlement can never compensate Diane and her family for the loss of their husband and father. The damages will at least give Diane the funds she needs on a practical level to provide the professional support she needs to care for her autistic daughter.”
Mesothelioma Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate and free compensation claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters and have teams of specialist mesothelioma solicitors / lawyers. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for mesothelioma 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 personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
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