Dangers of Asbestos
A granddad is warning about the dangers of asbestos after he was diagnosed with fatal cancer mesothelioma.
Alexander Findlay from Derrington in Stafford has received a substantial sum in compensation after he was diagnosed with the asbestos related disease.
Alexander instructed asbestos claims specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, to pursue his claim for compensation when he was diagnosed with the cancer of the lining of the lung in February this year.
Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure and sufferers often die just months after being diagnosed.
He was exposed to the dust while working for Universal Grinding Wheel Company Limited from 1955 to 1967.
The company made equipment used in car manufacturing.
Life cut short by asbestos related disease
Alexander, 79, has two children and five grandchildren and has been married for 52 years. He said it was important to him to pursue the claim.
He added, as a keen golfer who kept himself fit and healthy he felt his life had been unfairly cut short by the disease.
He said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma I did not know what it was. When I thought about where I had been exposed to asbestos I had no doubt it was when I worked at Universal.
“I couldn't believe anything like this could happen to me. I was in good health and I like to think if I had not been struck down by this I would still have a lot of years left in me.”
Support for victims of Asbestos Related Diseases
Alexander was advised to instruct Thompsons by Derbyshire Asbestos Support Team (DAST).
The team support people affected by asbestos-related diseases.
Jo Carlin from DAST said: “No amount of money can ever compensate for such a devastating work related disease. However, it is important that companies do not get away with negligently exposing their workers to asbestos.”
Nicola Harrison from Thompsons’ Nottingham office added: “It was important to Mr Findlay to claim compensation for mesothelioma so he could hold his former employer to account for causing his illness. He also wanted to make sure his wife would be financially secure in the future. We are pleased we have been able to fulfil both his aims and by bringing his case to a successful conclusion so that he can benefit from the outcome.”
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.