Cancer caused by exposure to asbestos
A man who was exposed to asbestos while working for British Airport Authority (BAA) has been awarded £165,000 in compensation.
The man from Middlesex and who does not wish to be named, has been diagnosed with fatal mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, which is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Asbestos dust and asbestos fibres
The man worked as a maintenance fitter and boiler house supervisor for BAA Heathrow Airport from 1969 to 1999. During that time he was responsible for supervising contractors removing and reapplying asbestos lagging to the pipes and boilers.
He was exposed to asbestos dust and fibres but was never provided with adequate respiratory protection.
The man was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2006. The High Court found BAA had negligently exposed him to asbestos.
He said: “I would like to thank Thompsons Solicitors for winning my case so quickly. As a result I have been able to gain some benefit from the compensation and I can now be sure my wife will be financially secure in the future.”
Client representative Helen Jones, based at Thompsons Solicitors' Newcastle office added: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease caused by exposure to asbestos. It is only right that people who develop it are fully and fairly compensated.
“I am pleased we have been able to settle this case quickly for our client and his family so he can now have peace of mind that at least his wife will provided for.”
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.