Exposed to asbestos at Liverpool Docks
The son of a Liverpool docker has received compensation after he developed a fatal asbestos related disease.
Billy Hughes, 81, from Norris Green, Liverpool, died of asbestos related lung cancer, mesothelioma, in January 2009.
There is no cure for mesothelioma which is caused by exposure to asbestos.
The former labourer worked at Liverpool Docks for a number of shipping companies from 1957 to 1977. He was also exposed to the asbestos working as a lagger in the early 1940s.
He was never warned by his employers about the dangers of asbestos or provided with any protection.
Thompsons Solicitors are asbestos claims specialists
When he was diagnosed in December 2008 he contacted Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group (MAVSG) and instructed asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors for advice.
Sadly he died just a few days later before he was able to give Thompsons in depth information about his exposure to asbestos.
His family continued the claim on his behalf and Thompsons used its extensive database and expertise to pursue the claim.
Thompsons was successful in recovering substantial damages for the family from his former employers and their insurers.
Mr Hughes’ son, David, said: “A number of my dad’s friends were affected by asbestos, including my father in law. My dad talked to them a lot about his condition and wanted to claim compensation. It was important to him that someone took responsibility.
“Sadly he died before the case was settled but as a family we are reassured to know that justice has been done.”
Thousands of people were exposed to asbestos in Liverpool docks
John Flanagan from MAVSG said: “Mr Hughes was sadly one of many thousands of people who have been exposed to asbestos in Liverpool docks. We work hard to provide victims of asbestos related diseases and their families with support and guidance. We know just how difficult it must be for Mr Hughes’ family but hope the fact that the negligent employers were held to account will provide a sense of justice.”
Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors added: “I am pleased we have achieved a successful outcome on behalf of Mr Hughes’ family. He died very suddenly within days of contacting me and as a result I had very little information about the work he did for his former employers. I was determined to succeed with his claim and secure justice for his 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.