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2nd November 2009
Mesothelioma sufferer receives £160,000 in compensation
Exposed to asbestos while working as a Joiner
A joiner who was exposed to asbestos while working in the building trade has received £160,000 compensation after being diagnosed with cancer.The 71-year-old from Widnes in Cheshire was diagnosed with mesothelioma in October 2008 and has been told he has less than six months to live.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos.
There is no cure for the disease which can take up to 40 years or more to develop.
Cut up asbestos boards and removed asbestos lagged metal
He was exposed to asbestos while working for George Wimpey now known as Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd between 1965 and 1967 where he was employed on the construction of Shell’s power station at Carrington. He also worked for demolition company Karalius Bros Limited between 1969 and 1992.
During both jobs he cut up asbestos boards and removed old asbestos lagged scrap metal from industrial premises.
He said: “When the doctor told me I had cancer my first reaction was ‘but I don’t smoke’. When he said it was due to asbestos I thought ‘it can’t be’. I didn’t realise I had worked with asbestos for all those years. It was only when I went through my employment history in detail with Thompsons Solicitors that I remembered all the times I was. I had no idea the danger I was being put in.”
Following his diagnosis he contacted Cheshire Asbestos Victim Support Group (CAVSG) for assistance with claiming welfare benefits. He then contacted asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors for advice.
Thompsons Solicitors recovered compensation only months after taking the claim on
Thompsons was able to achieve an out of court settlement only months after taking on the claim.
The dad of four, granddad of eight and great granddad to three said: “I am grateful for all that Thompsons has done. I would rather have my health back. I have three great grandchildren and know I will never see them grow up. It’s heartbreaking.”
Brian Dellaway from CAVSG said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease caused by exposure to asbestos. We are pleased we have been able to offer support during this difficult time.”
Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors added: “It was very important to this client to see his case settled during his lifetime. I am pleased that we were able to achieve that for him despite the difficulty we faced as a result of one of his former employers going into administration. Our efforts to trace the employer’s insurers were successful which enabled us to press on with the case and bring it to a conclusion quickly”.
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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