A retired Salford University laboratory technician who was diagnosed with an asbestos related cancer has received substantial compensation.

The 65-year-old, from Derbyshire was exposed to asbestos in the university’s Chemical Engineering Department from the late 1960s to 1980s.

The married dad of two teenage children, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in January 2012 after suffering from chest pain.

There is no cure for the fatal disease which is caused by asbestos.

He was exposed to asbestos whilst working at the University providing laboratory support to students on the degree programme.

He was not warned about the dangers of asbestos or given adequate protection at the time of his exposure.

Thompsons Solicitors are asbestos compensation experts

Following his diagnosis he instructed mesothelioma claims experts at Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.

Thompsons Solicitors successfully secured substantial damages in an out of court settlement.

He said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma it was a huge shock. I have two children, both still at college. It is upsetting to know that I won’t be able to watch them grow up and provide the support I expected to.

“It was important to claim compensation to ensure my family are provided for in the future. The fact the claim has been settled so quickly means we have been able to benefit from the compensation as a family which has been a great boost.”

Neil Baines from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Our client was not warned about the dangers that asbestos could cause to his future health. With a young family to care for we acted quickly to ensure that his case was settled within his lifetime. This compensation can’t give him back his health but should enhance the precious time he has left.”