Thompsons Solicitors have successfully secured compensation in under 10 weeks for a man diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.

The client, from Sheffield, who does not wish to be named, was diagnosed with the disease in April this year and contacted Thompsons Solicitors to help with his claim for compensation on April 28, 2008.

The case was settled for £147,000 by Thompsons Solicitors just 10 weeks later.

The 67-year-old was exposed to asbestos while working at Laycock Engineering in Sheffield. The company made car parts for Volvo and Ford. The client was exposed to asbestos used in the manufacturing process while working in the clutch and overdrive departments.

The client said he had never heard of mesothelioma before being diagnosed with the disease and was never told he worked with asbestos during his time at Laycock.

No cure for Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of the lung. It is caused by exposure to asbestos and can lie dormant for up to 40 years.

There is no cure for the disease which affects 2,000 people a year. Many sufferers have just months to live following diagnosis.

Thompsons Solicitors have a policy of striving to conclude all mesothelioma compensation cases in the shortest time possible, while securing the highest amount of damages for the client.

The client, who has three children and five grandchildren, said the compensation will ensure his wife is provided for following his death.

He said: “I was so shocked when the doctor told me I had mesothelioma. I did not know what the disease was and was not expecting to be told I had an incurable cancer.

"Following my diagnosis I found out about my exposure to asbestos from former colleagues. While working at the factory I had no idea I was dealing with such a dangerous substance.

"I decided to pursue compensation as I felt that Laycock’s should accept responsibility. I also wanted to make sure my wife was provided for after my death.

"I was surprised everything was dealt with so quickly but Thompsons have been brilliant every step of the way."

Maximum Compensation in shortest possible time

Solicitor Helen Jones from Thompsons, who dealt with the case, added: "Mesothelioma sufferers often prefer to have the case concluded quickly during their lifetime as this brings some peace of mind and the reassurance that their family will be financially provided for after their death."

Head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, Ian McFall, said: "This result was achieved by our specialist asbestos team pushing to reduce the time the claim takes to the bare minimum while ensuring that the client receives the maximum compensation."