Diagnosed with Mesothelioma
A GMB member diagnosed with the asbestos related cancer mesothelioma has received £140,000 in compensation with help from the union’s solicitors.
The man from Derbyshire, who does not wish to be named, was diagnosed with the cancer of the lining of the lung in January this year.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and there is no cure. Often sufferers have just months to live following diagnosis.
He was exposed to asbestos dust while working as a lift engineer for Evans Lifts in Leicestershire between 1962 and 1968. He installed lifts in hospitals, factories and commercial premises and worked alongside other tradesmen who used asbestos based materials.
He was also exposed to the dangerous dust while working for James Oakes & Co (Riddings) Limited, based in Derbyshire.
Asbestos Claims Specialists, Thompsons Solicitors
When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma he contacted his union who supported his fight for compensation and instructed asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors to represent him.
He said: “The doctor told me I only have seven to 14 months to live and one of my biggest concerns was making sure my wife would be financially secure when I am gone. It was a big relief when the case was settled.”
He added: “When I was diagnosed I was angry. I never realised I was working with a substance that could affect my health so dramatically in later years. I could not understand why this had happened to me. I feel it is now important to let other people know about the dangers of asbestos and the help that is available.”
Exposed to dangerous asbetsos dust
GMB Regional Secretary for Midland and East Coast, Andy Worth, said: “Asbestos has affected the lives of many of our members who were unwittingly exposed to the dangerous dust by negligent employers.
“We are pleased to have supported this member with his claim for compensation. The swift settlement means he can enjoy peace of mind that his family will be provided for in the future.”
Client representative at Thompson Solicitors’ Nottingham office, Nicola Harrison said: “We are pleased we have been able to settle this claim quickly for our client. It was hugely important for him to know that his former employers took responsibility for his condition and that the compensation was secured in his lifetime.”
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.