Exposed to asbestos as a teenage apprentice
A Grandad of two has won a substantial six figure sum in compensation after he was exposed to asbestos as a teenage apprentice.
The 82-year-old, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung, caused by exposure to asbestos.
There is no cure for the disease and many sufferers have just months to live following diagnosis.
The man, who now lives in St Columb in Cornwall, was exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice fitter for Cammell Laird shipbuilders in Birkenhead.
He said at the time he was never told of the dangers the material posed.
He said: “I worked with asbestos when I was aged between 16 and 21 as an apprentice for Cammell Laird. I did not have a clue it was dangerous. We used to have snow ball fights with it during our lunch break and did not think anything of it.
“It wasn’t until years later when I was working at Liverpool Polytechnic where I was superintendent engineer that I came to know about the dangers.”
Shocked to be diagnosed with mesothelioma
The man moved away from the area to retire in Cornwall and said he was shocked to be diagnosed with mesothelioma.
He said: “This compensation is important to me. It gives me a sense of justice but also it will make sure my family is provided for following my death.”
Thompsons Solicitors dealt with the case after they were instructed in May 2007. By bringing the claim in the Royal Court of Justice’s fast track procedure they were able to secure compensation for the client within his lifetime.
Joanne Candlish, client representative at Thompsons Solicitors said: “We are pleased we have been able to finalise this claim quickly so the client can benefit from it during his lifetime.
“Every mesothelioma sufferer would much rather have their health than compensation. However, without adequate compensation, families affected by this dreadful disease often struggle to cope financially.”
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.