Exposed to asbestos in 3 different jobs
A man who was exposed to asbestos in three different jobs has received substantial compensation with help from his trade union.
Geoffrey Magee, 63, from Birkenhead was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a fatal cancer of the lining of the lungs in May 2011.
He was exposed to asbestos working for three companies during the 1960s, 70s and then 1990s.
In all three roles he was never warned about the dangers of asbestos or given adequate protection from the dust.
The stepdad to six and granddad to 12 was diagnosed with the asbestos related cancer after suffering from breathlessness. There is no cure for the disease.
Thompsons Solicitors are asbestos claim experts
Following his diagnosis he contacted his trade union, Unite the Union, which instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.
Thompsons Solicitors quickly secured an initial interim payment and then successfully settled the claim out of court for substantial damages from all three employers.
Mr Magee said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma I immediately remembered the asbestos I came into contact with at my most recent employer and my past exposure in the 1960s and particularly the1970s.
“It was important to me to claim compensation because I should never have been exposed to asbestos in the first place. It’s a relief to know that this money is now in place to ensure my wife’s financial well being in the future.”
Thompsons Solicitors in Liverpool secured compensation
Paul Finegan, regional secretary at Unite the Union added: “Many of our members were negligently exposed to asbestos during their working lives. The union’s free specialist legal service works hard to ensure they receive the full compensation they are entitled to without delay.”
Joanne Candlish, Asbestos Team Manager, from Thompsons Solicitors in Liverpool added: “It was our first priority to secure an interim payment for Mr Magee quickly and then to achieve the maximum compensation from his former employers as fast as possible during his lifetime. We understand how distressing it is for our clients and their families who are coping with the devastating effects of mesothelioma and hope that this compensation will help provide much needed practical support during these difficult times.”
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.