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8th December 2008

Joiner with Pleural Plaques Develops Mesothelioma

Exposure to asbestos caused Pleural Plaques and Mesothelioma

A joiner who was exposed to asbestos as an apprentice and was diagnosed with pleural plaques has developed the deadly lung cancer mesothelioma.

The man, from the North West, who does not wish to be named, instructed Thompsons Solicitors to obtain advice about compensation after he was diagnosed with pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs, caused by asbestos.

He was exposed to asbestos while working for Calder Industrial Materials in Chester from 1952 to 1958.

Fatal Cancer, Mesothelioma

After investigating the client’s medical history, Joanne Candlish at Thompsons Solicitors advised an expert medical opinion should be obtained from a chest specialist because of the suspicion of mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Many sufferers die within months of diagnosis.

Some patients with an early diagnosis of the disease may benefit from treatment providing them with precious extra time.

Thompsons obtained a report from one of the leading chest consultants specialising in asbestos related disease who confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

The granddad of six is now currently undergoing chemotherapy and has been told the tumour on the lining of his lungs has stopped growing.

Compensation recovered within months

Within months of obtaining the medical report confirming the diagnosis of mesothelioma Thompsons was able to achieve a final settlement of £155,000 in compensation for the client from his former employer’s insurers.

The client said: “I am very grateful to Thompsons Solicitors and Joanne Candlish. Their quick thinking and efficiency meant I was able to get an early diagnosis. As a result I am now having chemotherapy and my claim is settled so that I know my family will be provided for.”

He added: “I was so angry with my former employers when I found out I had mesothelioma. Fifty years ago I had no idea that the materials I was working with were dangerous to my health.

“I first decided to pursue compensation when I was diagnosed with pleural plaques because I was worried about what would happen to me. I wanted someone to take the blame. Many people will be in the same boat I am in and it is not right that they are not entitled to compensation. If my employers had taken more care in the first place I would have my health now.”

Early diagnosis of Mesothelioma

Asbestos claims specialist Joanne Candlish from Thompsons added: “When I reviewed the client’s history and discussed his symptoms I decided an expert medical opinion was needed.

“I immediately instructed one of the leading medical experts to investigate the cause of the symptoms and prepare a detailed report. Unfortunately this confirmed our worst fears. I hope the early diagnosis of mesothelioma will allow the client to benefit from treatment and make use of the compensation we have obtained for him during his lifetime.”

Thompsons Solicitors has been supporting the trade union campaign to restore the right to claim compensation for pleural plaques. The House of Lords ruled that compensation should no longer be paid to those with the condition last year following a long running legal battle.

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 personal 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 personal injury compensation claim forms.