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News Desk | News Story
21st February 2011
Former GMB union shop steward receives compensation after asbestos cancer diagnosis
Diagnosed with mesothelioma
A North East man has received a substantial sum in compensation just nine weeks after he was diagnosed with asbestos cancer.The 81 year-old from South Shields was diagnosed with the fatal cancer mesothelioma in July 2010 after complaining about stomach problems to his doctor.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease and sufferers often only have months to live.
He was exposed to asbestos while working as a chipper and painter for shipyards on the River Tyne, including Redheads Ship Repairers and Tyne Dock Engineering in South Shields.
He said: “I have found it difficult coming to terms with my illness. Not so much dying but more the fact that I am losing my independence, something I was always proud of. I know that this will only get worse and it scares me.”
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
The former Boilermakers’ union member, now part of the GMB, was a shop steward and Tyneside ship yard convenor. Following his diagnosis he contacted the union for help. The GMB instructed its specialist lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons was successful in obtaining full compensation in just nine weeks.
GMB regional Secretary Tom Brennan said: “This valued member of the GMB has developed a devastating disease through just doing a hard days work. We are more than happy to support him in his fight for justice and that our specialist legal team have been able to settle his claim so quickly.”
Andrew Venn from Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle said: “The rapid action taken to investigate and pursue this claim vigorously to a successful conclusion in just over two months has ensured this member can appreciate the compensation and has the peace of mind knowing that the claim has been finalised.
“The case was pushed hard to reduce the time it took to a minimum while ensuring the client received the maximum amount of compensation. The fact that the member contacted his union for help straight after he was diagnosed meant that I could commence the investigation of the claim immediately. It was the assistance of the union that gave the claim a head start.”
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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