Ted was exposed to asbestos working for as an apprentice at a Milton Keynes rail works
A former rail worker who has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease has secured significant compensation with the help of Thompsons Solicitors.
Edward Hands, known as Ted, developed mesothelioma after being exposed to asbestos working as an apprentice at a rail works in Milton Keynes. The 75-year-old was responsible for fitting new carriages on trains between 1957 and 1963, and would often work alongside laggers applying asbestos insulation to the carriages.
He even recalls other apprentices kicking around asbestos ‘footballs’, unaware of the damage the substance can cause.
In early 2017, Ted began to have difficulties breathing and contacted his GP. After x-rays and further testing, it was confirmed he had developed mesothelioma.
The fact that Ted recalls colleagues kicking around asbestos balls highlights the complete lack of understanding among the workforce of the dangers associated with asbestos.Thompsons Solicitors
“My diagnosis has changed everything,” said Ted. “I’ve always been a keen supporter of my community, taking part in fundraising events or helping friends with their gardening, but I can’t do this anymore because of the mesothelioma.”
Asbestos disease specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, supported Ted to make a compensation claim.
“I wasn’t really sure how to make a claim for compensation. It all seemed so complicated,” he added. “My solicitor at Thompsons eased my fears by explaining the legal process in simple terms and was always there to answer questions I had. Thanks to Thompsons, I know my family will not have to suffer financially in the years to come.”
Thousands of people in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year, which can develop decades after exposure to asbestos. Thompsons Solicitors has supported a significant number of people and their families who have been affected by asbestos disease in compensation claims.
Lorna Webster, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “The fact that Ted recalls colleagues kicking around asbestos balls highlights the complete lack of understanding among the workforce of the dangers associated with asbestos. Ted’s employers should not have been allowing asbestos materials to be used in such a cavalier way by their employees and should have, at the very least, warned their staff of the health dangers associated with asbestos exposure.
“We were immediately able to gather evidence of where and when Ted was exposed to asbestos and we secured a significant settlement for him within a few months of being instructed. We would encourage anyone who is suffering from an asbestos disease, like Ted, to contact our expert legal team so that we can help support the victims and their families who have been wrongfully exposed to asbestos.”
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.