Exposure to asbestos caused Pleural Plaques and Mesothelioma
A joiner who was exposed to asbestos as an apprentice and was diagnosed with pleural plaques has developed the deadly lung cancer mesothelioma.
The man, from the North West, who does not wish to be named, instructed Thompsons Solicitors to obtain advice about compensation after he was diagnosed with pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs, caused by asbestos.
He was exposed to asbestos while working for Calder Industrial Materials in Chester from 1952 to 1958.
Fatal Cancer, Mesothelioma
After investigating the client’s medical history, Joanne Candlish at Thompsons Solicitors advised an expert medical opinion should be obtained from a chest specialist because of the suspicion of mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is a fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Many sufferers die within months of diagnosis.
Some patients with an early diagnosis of the disease may benefit from treatment providing them with precious extra time.
Thompsons obtained a report from one of the leading chest consultants specialising in asbestos related disease who confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma.
The granddad of six is now currently undergoing chemotherapy and has been told the tumour on the lining of his lungs has stopped growing.
Compensation recovered within months
Within months of obtaining the medical report confirming the diagnosis of mesothelioma Thompsons was able to achieve a final settlement of £155,000 in compensation for the client from his former employer’s insurers.
The client said: “I am very grateful to Thompsons Solicitors and Joanne Candlish. Their quick thinking and efficiency meant I was able to get an early diagnosis. As a result I am now having chemotherapy and my claim is settled so that I know my family will be provided for.”
He added: “I was so angry with my former employers when I found out I had mesothelioma. Fifty years ago I had no idea that the materials I was working with were dangerous to my health.
“I first decided to pursue compensation when I was diagnosed with pleural plaques because I was worried about what would happen to me. I wanted someone to take the blame. Many people will be in the same boat I am in and it is not right that they are not entitled to compensation. If my employers had taken more care in the first place I would have my health now.”
Early diagnosis of Mesothelioma
Asbestos claims specialist Joanne Candlish from Thompsons added: “When I reviewed the client’s history and discussed his symptoms I decided an expert medical opinion was needed.
“I immediately instructed one of the leading medical experts to investigate the cause of the symptoms and prepare a detailed report. Unfortunately this confirmed our worst fears. I hope the early diagnosis of mesothelioma will allow the client to benefit from treatment and make use of the compensation we have obtained for him during his lifetime.”
Thompsons Solicitors has been supporting the trade union campaign to restore the right to claim compensation for pleural plaques. The House of Lords ruled that compensation should no longer be paid to those with the condition last year following a long running legal battle.
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.