Exposed to asbestos as a pipe fitter
A member of the trade union, Unite, who suffers from a lung condition following exposure to asbestos has been compensated by his former employers.
Arthur Parr, 80, from Liverpool has received a substantial five figure sum in provisional damages after he developed asbestosis caused by exposure to asbestos dust while working as a pipe fitter for five different companies.
Mr Parr worked on the construction of oil refineries and power stations from the 1950s to 1980s for Shell UK, Simons & Hawker Limited, George Wimpey, Stewart & LLoyds and W J Fraser.
He was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis without any protection or warning about the risks.
Pleural Plaques and Asbestosis
Mr Parr, who has five children, eight grandchildren and a great grandchild, was first diagnosed with pleural plaques, scarring of the lungs caused by asbestos. Following the diagnosis he contacted his union, Unite, to enquire about claiming compensation. His union instructed Thompsons Solicitors to advise him. Thompsons arranged for Mr Parr to be examined by a medical expert who reported that he also suffered from asbestosis.
He said enquiring about compensation for pleural plaques led him to discover more about his condition.
He said: “Thompsons arranged for me to be medically examined by a consultant so they could investigate my claim. I already knew I had pleural plaques. But as a result of the examination I was also diagnosed with asbestosis which was the cause of my breathing problems.”
Kevin Coyne, Unite North West Regional Secretary at Unite said: “Sadly many of our members have been exposed to asbestos while at work. The Union’s free legal services helps many members bring successful claims for compensation. I’m glad that with the union’s help Mr Parr has been compensated for the injury he suffered due to his former employers’ negligence.”
Diana Fos from Thompsons Solicitors, said: “I am pleased we have been able to reach a successful conclusion for Mr Parr. Asbestosis is a disabling condition, which has a detrimental effect on quality of life.
“Mr Parr sensibly opted for a provisional damages settlement which will allow him to claim further compensation if his health deteriorates or he develops any potentially fatal asbestos related disease at any time in the future.”
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.