Asbestos related disease
The family of a Unite the Union member has received compensation after their father was diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.
The 75-year-old from Cheshire sadly died from a heart attack in May 2012 and was unable to benefit from the compensation. His family continued the claim on his behalf.
The Unite member was exposed to asbestos while working for a chemicals company for 35 years.
He was first diagnosed in 2006 with asbestosis causing a 10% disability.
Asbestosis usually develops after exposure to a lot of asbestos over a long period of time. The condition greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Instructed asbestos compensation specialists Thompsons Solicitors
Following his diagnosis he contacted Unite Legal Services, which instructed asbestos compensation specialists Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim.
The case was settled on a provisional basis which allowed the client to re-open the claim if his condition worsened due to asbestos disease.
In November 2011 the asbestosis worsened to a 30% disability. Thompsons was able to secure further compensation which the family received following his death.
The Unite member’s son said: “My dad always knew that there was a risk of his condition becoming worse over time and he was wise to take a provisional settlement in his original case. Unfortunately his fears came true when his condition became worse.
“The family knew how important it was for him to claim compensation so we were determined to continue the claim on his behalf.”
Asbestosis is a debilitating disease
Paul Finegan from Unite the Union added: “Asbestosis is a debilitating disease. This case clearly shows how our member’s condition declined and that it is important he and his family were be able to claim further compensation.
“Our members should be reassured that Unite Legal Services are at hand to support them and their families.”
Joanne Candlish, Head of the Liverpool Asbestos Team from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Asbestosis is a crippling respiratory disease, often developed following years of negligent exposure in the workplace.
“I am pleased this case was settled for this family but are saddened that the Unite member was too frail to see the compensation 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.