Exposed to asbestos working in the chemical industry
A retired Teesside fitter suffering from fatal asbestos related cancer mesothelioma has received compensation from his former employers.
The 68-year-old from Stockton on Tees was diagnosed in July 2011 with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos.
There is no cure for the disease.
He was exposed to asbestos working in the chemical industry in Billingham from 1964 to 1973. He was employed as a maintenance fitter before progressing to shift relief and shift controller.
Asbestos was used to insulate pipe work
Asbestos was used to insulate pipe work and was often disturbed when he was working nearby.
The father of two adult children, first began to experience symptoms in April 2011. He went to his doctor complaining of a chest infection. He was later diagnosed with mesothelioma and has undergone chemotherapy.
Following his diagnosis he instructed asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.
Thompsons obtained an out of court settlement within six months.
Knowing this case has now been settled so quickly is a huge relief
He said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma the doctors asked me if I had worked with asbestos and I knew straight away that I had.
“It was important to me to claim compensation to ensure that my wife is provided for in the future. I had never been warned by my employers about the dangers of asbestos. I had no idea at the time that I could end up developing cancer.”
He added: “I’m indebted to Thompsons Solicitors for their work on my case. I was impressed at how quickly everything was handled. Knowing this case has now been settled so quickly is a huge relief.”
Tony Hood from Thompsons Solicitors added: “I worked quickly to bring this case to a successful conclusion for our client. It was important for him to know his wife would be provided for in the future. The expertise our firm has in this type of case meant I already had a great deal of evidence available to support this case. This was an important factor in getting him the full compensation he was entitled to during his lifetime and within six months of my first meeting with him.”
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.