Exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice
A fitter who was exposed to asbestos as an apprentice and then in subsequent jobs has received substantial compensation after being diagnosed with a fatal industrial cancer.
The 63-year-old from the Wirral was exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice maintenance fitter for a Merseyside-based firm when he was just 16 in 1965.
He went onto become a qualified maintenance fitter working on oil tankers from 1972 to 1974 and progressed to become third engineer onboard ships from 1974 to 1978. During both jobs he was exposed to asbestos.
He was never warned about the dangers of asbestos or given adequate protection.
Diagnosed with mesothelioma
The married dad of three and granddad of two was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs in January 2012.
He contacted Merseyside Asbestos Victims Support Group (MAVSG) for advice and instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons secured an interim payment from the three employers within weeks of being instructed and settled the claim out of court within seven months.
The man said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma I knew that I wanted to get my affairs in order so that my family didn’t have to worry money in the future. I had no idea how long the claim would take and have been impressed with how quickly Thompsons has been able to put things in place. It’s a great relief to know that this has all been taken care of.”
Many victims of asbestos related disease in the Merseyside area
John Flanagan from MAVSG added: “We are saddened by our member’s diagnosis. He is one of many victims of asbestos related disease in the Merseyside area. We work to ensure that those diagnosed with asbestos related illnesses and their families receive the best support and are pleased we have been able to provide this family with help during this difficult time.”
Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Our client was exposed to asbestos in the early part of his career at a time when employers knew the dangers. More should have been done by all three of his employers to ensure that he was protected from a risk of fatal disease.
“Our client is now facing the devastating impact of being diagnosed with mesothelioma. I knew how important it was for him to make sure his affairs were in order and worked swiftly to ensure this case was settled as quickly as possible.”
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.