Asbestos cancer, mesothelioma
A widow who saw her husband die painfully from the asbestos cancer, mesothelioma, has received compensation from his former employers.
The 77-year-old from Somerset has received substantial compensation after her husband was diagnosed with the devastating disease in April 2008. Sadly he died just a month later.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease.
He was exposed to asbestos as a plant operator and foreman for CEGB, now RWE npower PLC, at the Hinkley Point A power station near Bridgwater in Somerset where he worked from the 1970s until he retired in 1994.
He was diagnosed with mesothelioma after complaining to his doctor about pain in his back.
Contacted asbestos claims specialists
Following his diagnosis he contacted asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors for advice about making a claim for compensation.
Sadly he died only weeks later, leaving behind his wife and three children.
Before his death he said: “My wife and I led a full and active life. I was bright as a button until very recently but now I get very breathless, even talking tires me out. My main concern now is to see my wife is properly provided for as I know my time is now limited.”
Eamonn McDonough from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Compensation can never make up for the loss of a life but it will provide important financial security for his wife. He literally gave his life for his job and I hope that by highlighting this case it can help raise awareness about the dangers of 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.