Asbestos exposure at a garage in Llandudno Junction caused the man to develop mesothelioma
Thompsons Solicitors has helped a Cheshire woman secure a £200,000 settlement in a compensation claim on behalf of her late husband, who died after developing mesothelioma.
Her husband worked at a vehicle garage in Llandudno Junction from 1988 to 1992, and again from 1994 to 2004, initially as a driver before taking on a valeting and servicing role. Mechanics in the garage would use asbestos products while working on the brakes and exhaust pipes of vehicles, which would create a significant amount of dust.
The man would sweep up this dust and dispose of the old brakes and exhausts, unaware that he was handling and breathing in dangerous asbestos dust.
It was only towards the late 1990’s – when the use of asbestos products was completely banned in the UK – that his employer took steps to ensure he wasn’t exposed to asbestos.
When the man started suffering from severe breathing problems he initially thought it was caused by his pre-existing asthma. However, when the issue worsened, and he began losing weight, the man visited his GP. X-rays and scans found he was, in fact, suffering from mesothelioma, a fatal lung disease caused by breathing in asbestos dust.
"Without the guidance of Thompsons, I would have had no idea how to even start a compensation claim."Thompsons' asbestos client
Just months after his diagnosis the man died, aged 68.
His wife said: “My husband was a bit of an ‘everyman’ at the garage, helping out with any jobs that needed doing. Unfortunately, his willingness to help meant he was exposed to asbestos in a number of ways, without ever realising.
“Seeing the weight drop off was really upsetting, but finding out his illness was caused by asbestos was even worse. It turned our lives upside down.”
Following his death, his wife turned to asbestos disease specialists Thompsons Solicitors to make a compensation claim. Thompsons Solicitors is currently highlighting the impact of asbestos diseases with its #PastButPresent campaign, focusing on families who are still affected today by asbestos use years ago.
“I am glad that our legal guidance has allowed our client the chance to understand what has happened and, hopefully, close the book on a sad number of years for the family.”Alan Dolphin of Thompsons Solicitors
“My solicitor was a huge help,” his wife continued. “Without the guidance of Thompsons I would have had no idea how to even start a compensation claim. Fortunately they supported me and investigated so I could understand the cause of my husband’s illness, and I wasn’t left wondering why he developed it in the first place.”
Alan Dolphin, of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Asbestos has caused the premature death of tens of thousands of people in the UK. As is often the case, our client’s late husband was expected to work with a substance that was well-known to have serious health implications.
His employer completely disregarded these warnings until they had no choice to take action – by which point it was too late.
“I am glad that our legal guidance has allowed our client the chance to understand what has happened and, hopefully, close the book on a sad number of years for the family.”
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.