Compensation for Mesothelioma
The family of a former tailor has received more than £162,000 in compensation after he died from industrial disease mesothelioma.
The man from Mottingham in Greenwich died from the cancer of the lining of the lungs in April 2007 after being diagnosed with the disease in 2005.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. Many sufferers have just months to live following diagnosis. There is no cure for the disease which can develop decades after the exposure to asbestos.
The former self employed tailor was exposed to asbestos after 1970 when he moved into the factory work.
Exposed to asbestos from the lining of the ovens
Before he died he said work as a tailor had been slow since the late 1960s when high street stores began to sell made to measure suits. As a result he was forced into a different line of work to support his family.
He worked for London Electric Wire Works and Smiths based in Leyton from 1970 to 1976 where he was exposed to asbestos from the lining of the ovens.
After he was diagnosed with mesothelioma he contacted Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
He was concerned about the future of his wife and daughter, as well as his family from a previous marriage.
No protection from asbestos dust provided
His wife said: “He was so worried about what would happen to us after he was gone. He urged me to keep pushing for compensation after his death. Other families in this position should not be reluctant to claim”
“We are grateful to Thompsons Solicitors and to my husband’s former colleagues who came forward to provide information about his working conditions. “
Lorna Webster from Thompsons Solicitors added: “This client’s death was preventable. By the time he was working for London Electric Wire Works and Smiths it was known by employers that asbestos dust was dangerous and could cause fatal illness. But this man was never warned of the dangers nor given any protection. As a result his family are left without a father and husband. This compensation may ease the financial burden will never make up for their emotional loss."
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.