More than £1.2 million in compensation has been recovered from a defunct asbestos company and paid to families who turned to Thompsons Solicitors for help.

Thompsons, which has offices across the UK, including in London, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester has obtained the payments on behalf of people who were exposed to asbestos by the asbestos manufacturer Turner & Newall (T&N).

T&N, owned by American company Federal Mogul, had factories across the UK, including in Washington, Rochdale, Widnes and Trafford Park.

Fatal Illness, Mesothelioma

T&N was responsible for exposing thousands of its workers to asbestos dust. Many went on to develop asbestos related diseases including the fatal illness mesothelioma.

Minutes from T&N’s board meetings show the company knew about the risk asbestos posed to employees for decades but they did not do enough to protect them.

T&N went into administration in 2001 and all compensation claims against the company were frozen until administrators reached an agreement with T&N’s insurers and parent company Federal Mogul.

During the six year wait for compensation more than 100 former employees died from asbestos related diseases.

Earlier this year the embargo on claims was lifted and victims and their families were finally able to claim compensation.

Now Thompsons Solicitors, who have campaigned for the best possible deal for T&N asbestos victims, has helped 35 families obtain compensation totalling over £1.2 million.

Thompsons Solicitors still fighting for compensation

The company is still fighting for compensation for dozens of victims and their families.

Ian McFall, National head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: “We have been engaged in one of the longest running and most difficult battles to obtain compensation from T&N for people who are suffering or have died from asbestos-related disease. I am glad that for many of them the struggle is now over or nearing an end. It was a matter of principle for us to stand by the victims and see this through from start to finish.

“So far this year we have settled cases for 35 families who have between them received around £1.2 million. We are still working on behalf of many others to ensure they receive the compensation they are entitled to.