Shipyard Worker exposed to asbestos
The widow of a Ministry of Defence shipyard worker has received £140,000 in compensation after her husband died of an asbestos related lung cancer.
The 79-year-old from Plymouth, who does not wish to be named, instructed Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation after her husband died of mesothelioma in March 2006.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and there is no cure for the devastating disease.
Her husband died aged 76 after a 22-month fight against the disease.
He was exposed to asbestos while working at HM Naval Base in Devonport Dockyard, Plymouth.
He was employed as an apprentice engine fitter and then later as a fitter from 1947 to 1957. He worked in Royal Fleet Auxiliary vessels’ engine rooms where asbestos insulation was present. At times his job included handling asbestos lagging.
Never warned about the dangers of asbestos and not given any protection
His wife said: “When he worked in the shipyards he had no idea that he was endangering his health just by breathing the air around him. He was never warned about the dangers of asbestos and was not given any protection.
“When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma he felt strongly about claiming compensation to make sure I was looked after. It was a terrible painful illness. After his death I followed his wishes by instructing Thompsons Solicitors to pursue the claim. It has now been successful which is what he would have wanted.”
Eamonn McDonough from Thompsons Solicitors added: “The legacy of asbestos continues to haunt those who worked in conditions which were polluted with the dangerous dust. It is only right that where people have suffered the harmful effects, many having paid with their lives, that they and their family members are compensated to the full extent of the law.”
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.