The family of a grandmother who died from an asbestos related disease has received compensation from a Trust fund set up by her former employers.
Died from an asbestos related disease
The family of a grandmother who died from an asbestos related disease has received compensation from a Trust fund set up by her former employers.
Eileen Robinson was 84 when she died from asbestosis in March 2008. Asbestosis is a progressive lung disease caused by asbestos.
She was exposed to the dangerous dust while working for notorious asbestos manufacturer Turner and Newall (T&N) at the Trafford Park premises in Greater Manchester.
She worked with asbestos on a daily basis from 1947 to 1953 and again from 1956 to 1964.
T&N exposed thousands of workers to asbestos at its factories across the UK. A Trust fund was set up in 2006 to pay victims and their families who are successful in claiming compensation.
Diagnosed with asbestosis, a serious chronic lung disease
Mrs Robinson, who left behind her son and two grandchildren, was initially diagnosed with pleural plaques, a type of scarring of the lining of the lungs, in early 2007. Later that year she became breathless and was diagnosed with asbestosis, a serious chronic lung disease.
Her son Adrian, 55, from Swinton witnessed his mother’s deteriorating health.
He said: “My mother was a fit and healthy woman and was very independent for her age. If it had not been for her exposure to asbestos doctors said she would have enjoyed many more years of active life. Asbestosis is a cruel disease and my mother’s suffering was avoidable.
Warn people about the dangers of asbestos
“We were advised to pursue compensation and decided to contact Thompsons Solicitors not for the money but for the principle. My mother had no idea her work all those years ago was so dangerous and would have such a damaging effect on her health. As a family we want to warn people about the dangers of asbestos.”
Steven Dickens from Thompsons Solicitors pursued the family’s claim. He said: “T&N not only exposed thousands of workers to asbestos but also polluted the environment in the streets around its factories. As a result many people who were exposed to asbestos by T&N directly or indirectly have gone on to develop asbestos related diseases including, asbestosis and mesothelioma.
“T&N’s legacy has left many families devastated. For them claiming compensation is not just about the money but also about achieving recognition of responsibility for T&N’s negligence.”
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.