Exposed to asbestos in shipyards
The family of a joiner, who worked in shipyards on Wearside, has received compensation after he developed a fatal asbestos disease.
Ted Hall, who was originally from Sunderland but later settled in Dartmouth, died aged 80, just months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs.
There is no cure for mesothelioma which is caused by exposure to asbestos.
Mr Hall was exposed to asbestos as a 15-year-old apprentice and joiner, whilst working at Hudson Dock and Pallion Yard on the River Wear.
He was never warned by his employers about the dangers of asbestos or provided with any protection.
The dad-of-two moved to Basingstoke in 1954 and then to Dartmouth with his wife of nearly 60 years, Patricia, in 2004.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2010 after suffering from breathlessness and pain across his shoulders.
He died just five months later, in May 2011, at Rowcroft Hospice in Torbay.
Following his death Mrs Hall instructed asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation. Thompsons was successful in recovering a substantial sum in damages for the family and an additional payment to Rowcroft Hospice towards the hospice’s costs of providing the care Mr Hall received.
Mrs Hall said: “Ted and I were married nearly 57 years and we shared a lot together in life. I have wished many times he was still here with me and I am sure I will do so for the rest of my time.
“He was exposed to asbestos when he was just a teenager and, as a result, mesothelioma took his life. It was important to the family to make sure that someone took responsibility for his painful death.”
Eamonn McDonough from Thompsons Solicitors added: “I am pleased we have achieved a successful outcome on behalf of the family and also recovered compensation for Rowcroft Hospice’s costs as part of the terms of settlement of the claim to reimburse the hospice for the high level of care they provided in Mr Hall’s final days.”
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.