Diagnosed with mesothelioma
A North East man has received a substantial sum in compensation just nine weeks after he was diagnosed with asbestos cancer.
The 81 year-old from South Shields was diagnosed with the fatal cancer mesothelioma in July 2010 after complaining about stomach problems to his doctor.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos. There is no cure for the disease and sufferers often only have months to live.
He was exposed to asbestos while working as a chipper and painter for shipyards on the River Tyne, including Redheads Ship Repairers and Tyne Dock Engineering in South Shields.
He said: “I have found it difficult coming to terms with my illness. Not so much dying but more the fact that I am losing my independence, something I was always proud of. I know that this will only get worse and it scares me.”
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
The former Boilermakers’ union member, now part of the GMB, was a shop steward and Tyneside ship yard convenor. Following his diagnosis he contacted the union for help. The GMB instructed its specialist lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.
Thompsons was successful in obtaining full compensation in just nine weeks.
GMB regional Secretary Tom Brennan said: “This valued member of the GMB has developed a devastating disease through just doing a hard days work. We are more than happy to support him in his fight for justice and that our specialist legal team have been able to settle his claim so quickly.”
Andrew Venn from Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle said: “The rapid action taken to investigate and pursue this claim vigorously to a successful conclusion in just over two months has ensured this member can appreciate the compensation and has the peace of mind knowing that the claim has been finalised.
“The case was pushed hard to reduce the time it took to a minimum while ensuring the client received the maximum amount of compensation. The fact that the member contacted his union for help straight after he was diagnosed meant that I could commence the investigation of the claim immediately. It was the assistance of the union that gave the claim a head start.
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.