£20,000 compensation for Welder exposed to asbestos
A member of the UK’s largest union, Unite, who was diagnosed with lung cancer after being exposed to asbestos, has won provisional compensation.
The former welder, aged 73, from Liverpool, who does not want to be named, has received £20,000 in provisional damages after he was diagnosed with asbestos related lung cancer in August 2006.
He was exposed to asbestos while working as a welder at Cammell Laird shipyard, as an engineer for Birds Eye Foods and while employed by Laker Vent Engineering.
Half of Lung removed after diagnosis of Lung Cancer
The granddad-of-three, who has never smoked, had half his lung removed immediately following his diagnosis but has been told there is a high risk of the cancer returning.
He contacted Unite after being advised by his doctors to claim compensation for his condition. He said it is a relief to know if the lung cancer returns that his family will be provided for.
He said: “I was devastated when I found out that I had lung cancer. The doctor said if I did not have the operation I would not see him again. The operation went well and I am lucky to be alive but it is always at the back of your mind that it will return.
“Claiming compensation was the last thing on my mind but the nurses at the hospital told me I should contact my union. I am glad I did because I now know my family will be provided for if the lung cancer returns in the future.
“The money we have received so far has certainly made life easier.”
Victim can claim compensation again if the Lung Cancer returns
Unite Regional Secretary Laurence Faircloth said: “We are pleased this case has been settled on behalf of our member and that he has been able to enjoy the benefit of compensation now and has the protection for his family in the future.
“Unite will continue to fight on behalf of its current and retired members who are suffering from asbestos related disease to ensure they are fully compensated.”
Unite instructed lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, to deal with the claim.
The firm specialises in asbestos compensation claims and has offices in Liverpool.
Client Representative Joanne Candlish from Thompsons said: “Lung cancer cases are particularly difficult as there are many issues to overcome, but this case demonstrates that we can, and do, succeed.
“As the claim was settled on a provisional basis the client has the peace of mind knowing that if, God forbid, the cancer does recur or he develops another asbestos related disease he can re-open his claim for further compensation.”
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.