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Thompsons provides a news and information service to journalists interested in personal injury and employment law issues. This includes press releases on many of the firm's successful cases, and comment on legal matters which affect trade unions and their members, and on our responses to government policy consultation documents.
A selection of press releases are below. To contact Thompsons' press office, please call 0207 290 0000.
To view earlier press releases please go to the relevant page:
2007 Jan-Apr, May-Aug, Sep-Dec
2006 Jan-Apr, May-Aug, Sep-Dec
2005, 2004, 2003, 2002, 2001, 2000
15th May 2008
Widow's seven year wait for compensation for her husband’s death has finally come to an end
A Widow’s seven year wait for compensation for her husband’s death has finally come to an end after she received a six figure payout from his employers.
More about Widow's seven year wait for compensation for her husband’s death
14th May 2008
Widow receives compensation after her husband died of asbestos-related disease mesothelioma
A Widow has received £115,000 in compensation after her husband died of asbestos-related disease mesothelioma.
More about Widow receiving compensation after her husband died of asbestos-related disease mesothelioma
13th May 2008
Appeal for former employees of Dunston power station
The family of a North East woman is appealing for former employees of Dunston power station to get in touch after their mum died from an asbestos related cancer.
More about appeal for former employees of Dunston power station
12th May 2008
The 83-year-old from Cheshire developed the disease after working at T&N’s Widnes factory for 40 years.
9th May 2008
Machine operator from Merthyr Tydfil injured by seamer machine secures £11,000 damages
Gerald O’Reilly secured the compensation with the support of his trade union UNITE, and their personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.
More about Machine operator from Merthyr Tydfil injured by seamer machine securing £11,000 damages
8th May 2008
A train driver from Yorkshire has secured nearly £6,000 compensation from Northern Rail following a serious back injury caused as he stepped onto discarded rubbish.
7th May 2008
Grandfather, exposed to asbestos has been compensated by his former employers
Thomas McMullan, 75, from Lea in Preston will receive a substantial five figure sum in provisional damages after he developed asbestosis caused by exposure to asbestos dust while working as a fitter’s mate for Courtalds at Red Scar Words in Preston.
More about Grandfather, exposed to asbestos being compensated by his former employers
6th May 2008
Dennis family lawyers welcome jailing of employer
Solicitors acting for the family of Daniel Dennis have welcomed the sentencing of Roy Clarke, Daniel's employer, to 10 months imprisonment following today's sentencing hearing.
More about Dennis family lawyers welcoming jailing of employer
6th May 2008
Back Injury sparks UNISON call for better training as Suffolk Care Trust found negligent
UNISON, the UK's largest public service union, is today calling for better training for healthcare assistants, after a member suffered such a serious back injury she was forced to give up the job she loved.
More about Back Injury sparking UNISON call for better training as Suffolk Care Trust found negligent
2nd May 2008
Plumbing inspector secures compensation for serious ankle injury
A plumbing and heating engineer who suffered a serious ankle injury after falling into a poorly maintained manhole at the Cathedral Nursing Home in Lincoln has been awarded compensation with the assistance of Thompsons Solicitors.
More about Plumbing inspector securing compensation for serious ankle injury
1st May 2008
Thompsons and Whittles are delighted to announce that from 1 May 2008 the two firms will be coming together to operate as one.
More about Thompsons and Whittles Uniting
29th April 2008
Widow from Mold secures compensation after husband died from mesothelioma
The widow of a Unite member has secured £120,000 in compensation after her husband died from asbestos related disease, mesothelioma.
More about widow from Mold securing compensation after husband died from mesothelioma
24th April 2008
Lawyers acting for the family of Daniel Dennis, killed after falling through a skylight on the roof of a Matalan store in South Wales have called for Roy Clarke, the owner of North Eastern Roofing, to be given the maximum sentence available to the court.
More about Dennis family lawyers calling for maximum sentence for boss who admits manslaughter
15th April 2008
Former shipyard worker from Liverpool is awarded compensation
Peter Guy from Waterloo in Liverpool developed asbestosis after being exposed to the dangerous dust while working for Harland & Wolf shipyard during the 1960s.
More about Former shipyard worker from Liverpool being awarded compensation
15th April 2008
Office Worker exposed to asbestos is awarded compensation
The granddad of two, who does not wish to be named, has been diagnosed with fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs, mesothelioma.
More about Office Worker exposed to asbestos being awarded compensation
14th April 2008
British Rail worker exposed to asbestos is awarded compensation
The divorcee, who has no children, was exposed to asbestos while working as a fireman, boiler cleaner and train driver.
More about British Rail worker exposed to asbestos being awarded compensation
11th April 2008
Durham man knocked down outside his home by under age driver secures over £8,000 damages
Peter Ives, aged 60, was walking his dog outside his house when he was knocked down by a vehicle driven by a local 15 year old boy who didn’t have a driving licence and was not insured.
More about Durham man knocked down outside his home by under age driver securing over £8,000 damages
9th April 2008
GMB wins £230,000 for Norwich worker blown up in gas explosion
A gas explosion in a Norwich pub which wrecked the career of the gas worker called to investigate a reported gas leak has resulted in a substantial damages payout.
More about £230,000 for Norwich worker blown up in gas explosion
4th April 2008
Carlisle stores worker wins compensation after MoD ignored her injury
A Ministry of Defence (MoD) Stores Assistant who suffered a serious back injury due to continuous heavy lifting and whose employer then failed to shift her to lighter work has received £60,000 in compensation.
More about Carlisle stores worker winning compensation after MoD ignored her injury
4th April 2008
Control of Noise at Work Regulations
A Thompsons Solicitors briefing on the Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 which apply to entertainment venues from 6th April 2008.
More about the Control of Noise at Work Regulations
3rd April 2008
Thompsons Solicitors’ reaction to ECJ decision in the Rϋffert case
Today’s European Court of Justice ruling that the Posted Workers Directive limits the employment protection which can be provided for in public building and works contracts rides roughshod over workers rights.
More about Thompsons Solicitors’ reaction to ECJ decision in the Rϋffert case
2nd April 2008
Lung Cancer Victim awarded Compensation
A man who developed lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos in the workplace has been compensated by his former employers.
More about Lung Cancer Victim being awarded Compensation
1st April 2008
The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) has secured over £280,000 damages for a Leicester member who had to be medically retired after he was knocked off his bike by a hit and run driver.
31st March 2008
Lawyer’s warning over toxic Argos furniture
National law firm Thompsons is appealing for anyone who has developed a skin irritation after buying a new sofa from Argos to get in touch.
More about Lawyer’s warning over toxic Argos furniture
31st March 2008
Lawyers warn MPs of insurance industry misinformation campaign
Labour MPs have been warned that the Association of British Insurers (ABI) is involved in a misinformation campaign in advance of the government's response to the personal injury claims process consultation, expected to be published shortly.
More about Lawyers warning MPs of insurance industry misinformation campaign
27th March 2008
MPs sitting on the All Party Parliamentary Group on Occupational Safety and Health, Sub Committee on Asbestos made the promise after watching a short film with a hard-hitting message calling on the Government to amend the law on asbestos compensation.
More about MPs have vowed to help a group of mesothelioma sufferers and their families
26th March 2008
Death threat kitchen assistant awarded compensation
A kitchen assistant who was eventually forced to leave her job following a violent incident at the Coalville Resource Centre in Leicestershire has been awarded £40,000 compensation by her former employer, Leicestershire County Council.
More about death threat kitchen assistant awarded compensation
25th March 2008
Sylvia Worth, 54, from Sancton in East Riding, Yorkshire was awarded £122,000 in damages after her husband, Harry, was exposed to asbestos while working on shipyards in Tyneside.
20th March 2008
Life threatening Latex allergy blights Nurse's life
UNISON, the UK's largest public sector union, has won six figure compensation for a young nurse whose life was blighted when she developed an allergy to latex.
More about Life threatening Latex allergy blighting Nurse's life
19th March 2008
Leading lawyers condemn foreign minister's claims over Justice for Colombia
Lawyers who have seen at first hand the abuses of trade union and human rights in Colombia say claims by Foreign Office minister Kim Howells that the organisation Justice for Colombia supports the guerrilla group Farc are reckless.
More about Leading lawyers condemning foreign minister's claims over Justice for Colombia
19th March 2008
Family of seamstress who died from mesothelioma appeal for information
The family of a talented seamstress who died from an asbestos related disease is appealing for information about her former employer’s insurers.
More about family of seamstress who died from mesothelioma
18th March 2008
Young Victim of Dangerous Dog, scarred for life receives compensation
A 14 year old girl from Lancashire who was scarred for life after being attacked by a dangerous Rottweiler has received compensation for her injuries.
More about Young Victim of Dangerous Dog, scarred for life receiving compensation
11th March 2008
The Fire Brigades Union has finally won its eight-year legal battle to secure an end to discrimination against firefighters working retained duty, following an Employment Tribunal judgment. The case has major implications for millions of part-time workers who will also benefit from the rights established during 8-years of legal action.
10th March 2008
Damages secured for support worker injured pushing client in wheelchair
A support worker from Croydon, Surrey, who slipped a disc while pushing a client in a wheelchair, and subsequently had his employment terminated, has successfully secured damages from his former employer.
More about damages secured for support worker injured pushing client in wheelchair
7th March 2008
Pauline Cade, 65, from Leeds was diagnosed with fatal cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma, in March 2006.
5th March 2008
Part-time lecturer wins right to equal training support
A lecturer at a further education college in Northern Ireland has won an employment tribunal ruling that she was treated unlawfully because her work is part-time.
More about Part-time lecturer winning right to equal training support
4th March 2008
Compensation for Social Worker who lost Dream Job
A social worker from County Durham who lost her dream job as a result of an unfair reference has secured a £36,000 payout from South Tyneside Council.
More about Compensation for Social Worker who lost Dream Job
29th February 2008
The family have been awarded £70,000 in damages after their dad died from the devastating disease.
More about family of a sheeter who died from mesothelioma
28th February 2008
Compensation for Grandad who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma
A Grandad of two has won a substantial six figure sum in compensation after he was exposed to asbestos as a teenage apprentice.
More about compensation for Grandad who has been diagnosed with mesothelioma
27th February 2008
The Mick Knighton Mesothelioma Research Fund’s Snowdrop Fund will allow families across the UK to set up a tribute fund to raise cash for important research into the disease.
26th February 2008
No laughing matter as pub visitor falls through trap door
A man who fell into the cellar of a public house in Fishguard has been awarded damages for injuries sustained to his chest and arm.
More about damages for pub visitor who fell through trap door
21st February 2008
Compensation for bus driver sacked after passenger attack
A North East based former London bus driver who was badly hurt in an assault by a passenger and then sacked for taking time off while he was injured has been paid £75,000 compensation by his former employer.
More about compensation for bus driver sacked after passenger attack
19th February 2008
William Lively, from North Shields, secured his compensation with the support of his trade union GMB and their personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.
18th February 2008
Michelin sued for £2,500 compensation after employee fractured his finger
Michelin Tyre PLC has been sued for £2,500 compensation after an employee from Staffordshire fractured his finger.
More about Michelin being sued for £2,500 compensation after employee fractured his finger
15th February 2008
Former fitter exposed to asbestos is awarded compensation
The man from St Helens was diagnosed with asbestosis after a CT scan to investigate his increasing breathlessness.
More about former fitter exposed to asbestos being awarded compensation
13th February 2008
Thompsons welcomes Court of Appeal ruling on risk assessments
A Court of Appeal (CA) ruling that London Underground failed to provide proper training to a driver who developed tenosynovitis in her right wrist sends an important message to employers about their health and safety duties, lawyers acting in the case say.
More about Court of Appeal ruling on risk assessments
13th February 2008
Care worker sprayed with ‘Mr Muscle’ wins compensation
A residential social worker who was sprayed in the face with oven cleaner has won compensation from Newport City Council.
More about Care worker sprayed with ‘Mr Muscle’ winning compensation
12th February 2008
Warehouseman who suffered an injury following an accident with a forklift truck secures compensation
With help from Thompsons Solicitors and his Trade Union, RMT, the man from Kent received £150,000.
11th February 2008
Martha May Charlson, 64, died in June 2002 from the devastating cancer of the lining of the lung, after she was exposed to asbestos while working for notorious asbestos manufacturers Turner and Newall.
8th February 2008
Despite two appeals against its use, the NICE has given all trusts the go-ahead to prescribe the drug.
7th February 2008
Scarborough widow in desperate bid to trace colleagues of tragic victim of asbestos
With Mesothelioma Day 2008 coming up on 27 February, lawyers acting for the family of Francis Edmonds of Scarborough, who suffered a premature and painful death from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma, are desperate to trace his former work colleagues.
More about Scarborough widow in desperate bid to trace colleagues of tragic victim of asbestos
7th February 2008
Thompsons win a landmark judgement in Hepatitis C case
Thompsons Solicitors have won a landmark judgement that the Lord Advocate and Scottish Ministers breached the European Convention on Human Rights by refusing to hold public inquiries into the deaths of two victims of Hepatitis C acquired through infected blood transfusions from the NHS.
More about Thompsons winning a landmark judgement in Hepatitis C case
6th February 2008
Did you work with asbestos in Barking or live there as a child?
A Barking and Dagenham based asbestos support Group is calling on former workers and residents from the Barking and Dagenham area to get in touch.
More about appeal for people who worked with asbestos in Barking to come forward
4th February 2008
Valerie Tye, 65, was awarded the damages after Bob died from the devastating cancer mesothelioma.
1st February 2008
Pleural plaques whilst rarely causing immediate symptoms is a scarring of the lungs and is associated with an increased risk of developing fatal conditions like mesothelioma.
30th January 2008
Negligence at a Welsh mine leads to £105,000 pay out for collier who had to be
medically retired
Negligence at a Welsh mine has led to a £105,000 pay out for a collier who had to be
medically retired after a falling stone broke a vertebrae in his neck.
More about Negligence at a Welsh mine leading to £105,000 pay out for collier who had to be medically retired
25th January 2008
A factory worker from Port Talbot who was medically retired after suffering repetitive strain injury has secured almost £17,000 compensation with the support of leading trade union Unite and personal injury specialists Thompsons.
24th January 2008
Poor health and safety in a Middlesbrough primary school has led to Middlesbrough Council being forced to pay damages to a kitchen assistant who badly injured her leg when she slipped in the dinner hall.
23rd January 2008
An engineer from Cumbria who was forced to retire on medical grounds after rupturing the bicep in his right arm has secured £95,000 compensation from Manchester firm Robert McBride Ltd.
22nd January 2008
Read an update published by Thompsons Solicitors about Landmark Legal Cases on Asbestos Compensation
An update for all concerned with claims and potential claims for asbestos related conditions.
Read the full update published by Thompsons Solicitors about Landmark Legal Cases on Asbestos Compensation
21st January 2008
Compensation for former Welder exposed to asbestos who developed Lung Cancer
A member of the UK’s largest union, Unite, who was diagnosed with lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, has won provisional compensation.
More about Compensation for former Welder exposed to asbestos who developed Lung Cancer
18th January 2008
A GMB union member from Gloucestershire has secured substantial damages after he fractured his shoulder and was medically retired from his maintenance job as a result of unsafe working practices.
17th January 2008
Merseyside man suffering from asbestosis sues 4 former employers for £25,000
A Merseyside man who now suffers from asbestosis has successfully sued four of his six former employers.
More about Merseyside man suffering from asbestosis suing 4 former employers for £25,000
16th January 2008
A factory worker who has been left with a partially amputated foot following a serious fork lift truck injury has been successful in a court action against his employers.
15th January 2008
Did you work at Prudhoe hospital between 1971 and 1979?
A North East councillor is appealing for former work colleagues to come forward after she was diagnosed with the deadly cancer mesothelioma.
More about appeal for former Prudhoe hospital employees to come forward
14th January 2008
Justice for families affected by asbestos
A group of mesothelioma sufferers and their families have released a short film with a hard-hitting message calling on the Government to amend the law on asbestos compensation.
More about film released by mesothelioma sufferers and their families
11th January 2008
Train driver forced to retire receives compensation for accident
A train driver who was forced to retire from his job after severely injuring his back at work has been awarded compensation by his former employer.
More about Train driver forced to retire receiving compensation for accident
10th January 2008
A Preston man who suffered severe physical and psychological injuries after his hand was trapped in a machine at work has secured substantial compensation from his former employer with the support of his trade union Unite.
10th January 2008
Parliamentary Health and Safety Enquiry
Thompsons Solicitors has told the Department of Work and Pensions health and safety enquiry select committee that the Health and Safety Executive is grossly inadequately funded.
9th January 2008
Woman left paralysed by hospital failings secures £900,000 in compensation
A woman who suffered catastrophic injuries as the result of the negligent management and treatment of an infection in her spine has recovered £900,000 in compensation with the help of Thompsons Solicitors.
More about Woman left paralysed by hospital failings secures £900,000 in compensation
7th January 2008
Unite wins pay for shop steward sacked by TNT
Giant courier company TNT has been forced to continue paying a Unite union member it sacked at its Bristol depot when he was elected as a shop steward.
7th January 2008
A boilermaker from Port Talbot whose hands have been permanently damaged from regular use of vibrating tools has been paid compensation from four employers with the support of his trade union GMB.
2nd January 2008
Retired Joiner diagnosed with Asbestosis
A Retired joiner has described how he feels angry at his former employers after he was diagnosed with lung condition asbestosis.
More about Retired Joiner diagnosed with Asbestosis