Exposed to asbestos dust at work
A former Yorkshire Water employee and GMB member has secured £30,000 in compensation following asbestos exposure. The compensation was secured with the support of GMB and personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors.
Mr A Smith, from Pocklington, was employed by Yorkshire Water from 1968 to 1994 as a pipe layer. During the course of his employment he was exposed to asbestos dust as he drilled and cut asbestos pipes manufactured by the now infamous Turner & Newall.
Mr Smith explains: “It’s devastating to learn that I’ve now developed what is known as bilateral diffuse pleural thickening – an illness caused by exposure to asbestos. This was caused by asbestos fibres which I have inhaled and which have become embedded in my lungs. If it wasn’t for the negligence of my employer, I’d still be a fit and healthy 55 year old.”
Andy Worth, Regional Secretary GMB, Midland & East Coast Region, comments: “Employers who negligently exposed their employees to asbestos are now having to pay and rightly so! We’re very pleased to see justice secured for our member.”
Nicola Harrison, from Thomspons Solicitors, explains: “For many victims like Mr Smith, the effects of asbestos exposure are only now coming to the fore. Many Yorkshire workers, some of whom now suffer from mesothelioma, were exposed to deadly levels of asbestos every day during their working life as a result of products manufactured by Turner and Newall.”
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.