Chef exposed to asbestos at work
An Italian chef who worked with pizza ovens with asbestos seals in a Salisbury restaurant has received a six figure sum in compensation from his former employers.
Luigi Pes, 60, was born in Sardinia but moved to Britain in 1982 when he was 31.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs, in February 2008 after suffering from a continual chest infection.
He was exposed to asbestos when he started working as a chef for La Gondola Italian Restaurant in Fisherton Street, Salisbury.
His job involved working with pizza ovens with asbestos seals and also in the storeroom where the ceiling contained asbestos.
At the time he was not warned about the dangers asbestos could pose to his health.
Following his diagnosis he instructed asbestos compensation specialists Thompsons Solicitors for advice.
Mr Pes, who is married and has two adult children, felt strongly that his employers were to blame for the working conditions that made him gravely ill.
Thompsons was successful in settling the claim out of court.
Mr Pes said: “For many years I worked there with no idea about the damage asbestos could do to my health. In later years when I became aware about the dangers of asbestos I had an idea that I had been exposed but I never expected that I would end up with this disease.”
“Despite my progressive illness and the restrictions it brings. I’m doing my best to enjoy each day I have left. I’m not angry but I do feel strongly that more should have been done to protect me from getting this disease.”
Stephen Loach from Thompsons Solicitors said: “I investigated the case for Mr Pes urgently and pursued it vigorously so that he could benefit from the compensation during his lifetime. Whilst this will never make up for Mr Pes’ poor health it will at least afford him some financial relief and the knowledge that the employers who caused his suffering have been held to account.”
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.