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You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story

4th February 2008

Widow from Harwich has received substantial compensation after her husband was exposed to asbestos in the workplace.

Exposure to asbestos caused mesothelioma

Valerie Tye, 65, was awarded the damages after Bob died from the devastating cancer mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease which is often diagnosed decades after the initial exposure.

Bob, who is survived by three children and six grandchildren, was diagnosed with the cancer in July 2005 and died aged 63 in May 2006.

Exposed to asbestos as an apprentice shipwright

He was exposed to asbestos when he was a teenager working as an apprentice shipwright for British Rail at what is now known as Harwich International Port.

He worked maintaining British Rail Merchant Navy vessels, including passenger ferries sailing from Harwich to Hook in Holland.

Valerie, who met Bob at a local dance when they were both 16, said he was assisted by his trade union, Unite, to claim compensation for his illness.

He said it was important for him to know his family would be provided for following his death.

Shocked after Mesothelioma Diagnosis

She said he was shocked when he was first diagnosed with mesothelioma.

She said: “Bob knew he had worked with asbestos when he was a teenager and in later years he discovered that it was dangerous but he never imagined it would lead to this. At the time they had no idea of the consequences.

“He was determined to get the compensation he said: ‘you will need that when I am gone’. It will give me a comfortable life but it will not bring Bob back.”

Steve Hart Unite Regional Secretary for London and East (T&G Section) said: “Mesothelioma is a terrible disease for all involved. Sadly, in this case, a family has been left without a husband, dad and granddad.

“Unite will continue to fight on behalf of its current and retired members who are suffering from asbestos related disease to ensure they are fully compensated.”

Thompsons Solicitors helped victim's family to claim compensation

Unite’s lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, helped Bob’s family to claim the compensation.

The firm specialises in asbestos compensation claims and has offices in Chelmsford.

Andrew Venn from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “It is important asbestos victims and their family members obtain proper compensation from the insurers of the companies who caused the disease.

“In the past many employers failed to take the necessary safeguards to protect workers from the effects of asbestos dust and now families are paying the price.

“As specialists we achieve the best possible results for clients. Every family affected by mesothelioma would rather have their loved ones by their sides than compensation. However, without adequate compensation, families affected by this dreadful disease often struggle to cope financially.”

This story was also published by the Harwich and Manningtree Standard.

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate 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.