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Bladder cancer victim compensated after exposure to chemicals by employer
Exposed to dangerous fumes on a daily basis
A Yorkshire man who developed cancer after being exposed to dangerous chemicals at work has received compensation from his former employers.
The 57-year-old from Leeds was exposed to harmful chemicals whilst working for Hickson and Welsh, a chemical manufacturer in Castleford for nine years from when he was just 15.
He trained and then worked as a mechanical engineer at the firm’s chemical works from 1969 to 1978 and was exposed to dangerous fumes on a daily basis. He was never provided with a face mask nor warned of the health risks of working with dangerous chemicals.
He left the firm in 1978 to work for British Coal.
Diagnosed with bladder cancer
Three years ago in April 2008 he began to notice blood in his urine and was subsequently diagnosed with bladder cancer.
He has since received chemotherapy but has been told he has a 50% chance of the cancer reoccurring.
He said: “I was devastated by my diagnosis. It is a terrible condition which means I have to go through embarrassing and unpleasant procedures. My checks are now six monthly but I know there is an even chance that the cancer will return and that fills me with dread.
“Over the years many of my former colleagues have suffered from bladder cancer as a result of their work and though it had been hanging over me it was still a shock when I was diagnosed. I feel let down and angry that we were allowed to be exposed without any protection to chemicals that were dangerous enough to cause us ill health.”
Instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation
Following his diagnosis he was encouraged by his consultant to contacted a solicitor. He instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons secured a provisional settlement out of court which allows him to make a further claim if his cancer comes back.
Marion Voss from Thompson Solicitors in Leeds said: “Exposure to certain chemicals can increase the chances of bladder cancer and workers at Hickson and Welsh during the same time as our client are in the group at risk.
“Fortunately his treatment has cleared his cancer and will hopefully keep him clear but there is a risk of the cancer returning. The provisional settlement means he can make a further claim for compensation to recognise the very serious consequences for him if the cancer does return.”
Bladder Cancer Compensation Claim Advice
If you or anyone you know has developed bladder cancer or any other industrial disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury compensation claim, including bladder cancer compensation claims. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters and have teams of solicitors who specialise in dealing with claims for industrial diseases such as bladder cancer compensation claims. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for bladder cancer compensation. Our specialist work disease solicitors and lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a bladder cancer 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 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.
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