Exposed to asbestos as an apprentice
A Crewe man who was exposed to asbestos as a 14-year-old apprentice has received a substantial sum in compensation with help from his trade union.
Albert Greenwood, a Unite the union member developed asbestosis, a lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos whilst working for Crewe Railway Works.
The 84-year-old was diagnosed with the condition in May 2010 after suffering from breathing difficulties.
Asbestosis is progressive and debilitating
Asbestosis is progressive and debilitating. Often sufferers find it difficult to carry out normal household chores and to walk short distances.
The great granddad to six was exposed to asbestos whilst working as an apprentice fitter and turner and then as a qualified fitter at Crewe Railways Works.
He was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis but was never warned about the dangers or provided with adequate protective equipment.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
Following his diagnosis his trade union, Unite, instructed national asbestos claims experts Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons settled the claim out of court.
Mr Greenwood said: “I am delighted with this compensation. I had no idea about how dangerous my working conditions were until later years when my friends and colleagues began to suffer from asbestos related conditions.
“I’m grateful to Unite and Thompsons Solicitors for dealing with my claim. I’d never have been able to do this without them.”
Debilitating disease could have been avoided
Paul Finegan, regional secretary at Unite added: “We are pleased we have been able to assist this member to obtain compensation. This debilitating disease could have been avoided had the employer adopted a more responsible attitude towards health and safety.”
Joanne Keen from Thompsons Solicitors added: “This client has suffered a crippling respiratory disease caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos. I was able to bring his case to a swift successful conclusion through the free specialist support he was entitled to from his trade union membership.”
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.