Exposed to asbestos at work
An Essex pensioner has been awarded more than £115,000 in compensation after being exposed to asbestos as an apprentice.
Thomas George, of Corringham, Stanford le Hope, was awarded the money after he was exposed to asbestos dust during his work as a lagger’s mate for Kitsons Insulation of Barking when he was just 16.
He was diagnosed with the deadly cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma, in March 2006. The cancer has no cure.
Mr George’s daughter, Amanda, got in touch with Thompsons Solicitors through their website and the firm was able to win Mr George’s compensation in under 10 months.
Compensation awarded for mesothelioma
Mr George said: “I always thought getting compensation for my illness would take a long time but I have been impressed with how quickly Thompsons Solicitors have been able to deliver for me.
“Receiving the compensation marks a period of closure for the family. We have been able to gain a sense of justice and we are now able to enjoy the time we have left together.”
Mr George was exposed to asbestos during 1956 to 1957 when he worked stripping asbestos from pipes and boilers and mixing up asbestos cement without any protection.
He noticed a problem with his breathing in January 2006 and was diagnosed with mesothelioma in the March.
He is now under going chemotherapy treatment Alimta.
Mr George’s lawyer, Gill Connelly from Thompsons Solicitors’ national asbestos team said: “We are pleased to have brought Mr George’s case to a conclusion during his lifetime at no cost to him within just 10 months from his daughter contacting our website.
“Mesothelioma is a terrible disease, which has cut short many people’s lives. We are pleased that Mr George can now have peace of mind and can spend time with his family in full knowledge they will be provided for in the future.”
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.