Diagnosed with an asbestos related disease
The trade union Unite has assisted in recovering damages for a member diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.
Power station worker Clifford King, 85, from Newark in Nottinghamshire was diagnosed with asbestosis, with a 20% disability, in 2008 after suffering from a chest infection.
Investigations by Unite's lawyers Thompsons Solicitors proved he was negligently exposed to asbestos working for CEGB at Littlebrook Power Station between 1951 and 1983.
Mr King said the condition has left him breathless and unable to do the gardening and other jobs around the house.
Exposed to asbestos by employer
He worked for CEGB, now owned by RWE Npower PLC, for more than 32 years in a variety of roles. He remembers being exposed to asbestos on a regular basis but was not warned of the dangers or given any protection.
Following his diagnosis Mr King, who has two sons and two grandchildren, contacted his union Unite which instructed asbestos compensation specialists Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim.
Thompsons finalised the claim within 10 months.
Mr King said: “When the doctor told me I had asbestos in both lungs I was angry about the way my employer had gambled with my health. When I found out I could claim compensation I was determined to pursue it.”
Asbestosis can be a debilitating progressive disease
Unite regional secretary Adrian Axtell said: “We are pleased we have been able to assist our member to obtain compensation.
“Asbestosis can be a debilitating progressive disease which could have been avoided if employers had adopted a more responsible attitude towards workplace health and safety. We will continue to fight for full and prompt compensation for our members who have been harmed by negligent employers.”
David Fisher from Thompsons Solicitors added: “Asbestosis is a crippling respiratory disease caused by prolonged or heavy doses of asbestos exposure.
It was possible to bring Mr King’s compensation claim to a successful conclusion quickly and efficiently because of the free specialist support he received through contacting his trade union.”
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.