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News Desk | News Story
7th July 2009
Asbestos danger in river and canal boats
Asbestos present on many narrow boats
Thompsons Solicitors is highlighting the hidden danger of asbestos for the thousands of people who live in boats across the UK.The call comes after Thompsons obtained compensation for an East London client who was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the fatal cancer of the lining of the lung, caused by exposure to asbestos while repairing narrow boats.
There is no cure for mesothelioma which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Many sufferers die within months of diagnosis.
The client, who worked as manager of a marina in East London, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in March 2008.
His job involved repair work on narrow boats at the marina. He recalls asbestos was present in around 70% of the boats he repaired.
Many boats built prior to 1985 used asbestos products
More than 15,000 people live in river and canal boats across the UK. Many boats built prior to 1985 used asbestos products as insulation in the heating systems, engine parts, pipe work and exhausts.
Andrew Venn from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Many people living in narrow boats may not realise asbestos is present. If the asbestos is in poor condition or is disturbed so that the fibres are inhaled the consequences can be fatal with conditions like mesothelioma developing decades later.”
The client added: “I knew asbestos was in the boats I was working on but I had no idea that it was dangerous. Decades later I am now facing a death sentence. I want to help prevent other people from coming into contact with asbestos so they don’t suffer the same fate as me.”
People now buying old boats as an affordable way of getting onto the housing market
Thompsons Solicitors highlights the risk to people who have bought an old boat as an affordable way of getting onto the housing market.
In areas in London, Bristol, Birmingham, Nottingham and Manchester this lifestyle is becoming ever more popular.
Andrew Venn said: “Many older boats are now being bought by young professionals as a cheaper alternative to bricks and mortar. They turn them into floating homes but they may not be aware of the dangers of asbestos likely to be present.”
The client, a grandfather of five, added: “I now know from painful experience that asbestos can kill. If someone had warned me about the dangers then perhaps this would not have happened to me.”
Thompsons Solicitors successfully concluded his claim for a undisclosed sum.
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. 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.
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