Asbestos related disease
The family of a self employed joiner has received an undisclosed amount in compensation after he died from an asbestos related disease.
Pat Kelly from Newry in County Down, Northern Ireland died from mesothelioma after he was exposed to asbestos while working as a subcontractor on a development for one of Northern Ireland’s largest builders Gilbert-Ash.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. It can lie dormant for up to 40 years and many sufferers die within months of diagnosis.
Pat was 54 when he died. He left behind his wife Kathleen and six children, the youngest of who was just six.
Exposed to asbestos at work
He was exposed to asbestos in 1970 while working as a subcontractor for Gilbert-Ash. The company was building Rathmore housing estate in Craigavon at the time and Pat handled asbestos lining in the boiler houses.
Following his death, his wife Kathleen instructed Thompsons McClure to pursue compensation. She found out about Thompsons after searching on the internet for information about asbestos related diseases.
She said after Pat was diagnosed with the disease he wanted to raise awareness about mesothelioma.
Dangers of asbestos
She said: “Pat knew from the moment his breathing became difficult that he had an asbestos related disease but nothing prepares you for that moment when you are told its mesothelioma. It is terrible but he was a very strong man and kept his good spirits right up until his death.
“He told everyone about his condition. He wanted people to know about the dangers of asbestos and what it can do to you. He would be pleased that we have now settled his claim.”
Oonagh McClure from Thompsons McClure added: “Mesothelioma is a devastating disease which claimed Mr Kelly at a relatively young age. We are only too pleased to have helped his family to claim compensation and to 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.