Mesothelioma
The widow of a Unite member has received over £115,000 in compensation after her husband died from asbestos related disease mesothelioma.
The grandmother of one, who does not wish to be named, received the damages after her husband was exposed to asbestos while working for Young, Austen & Young heating engineers in Sussex.
He was 76 when he died from the cancer of the lining of the lung.
He was diagnosed with the disease just 11 months before he died.
He worked as a trained engineer and pipe fitter in boiler houses in new developments. He was regularly exposed to asbestos used to lag pipes.
His wife said it was important to her husband to claim compensation for his disease.
She said he was concerned about how she would cope without him.
She said: “My husband was devastated when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. He loved his work and lived to work. It’s so cruel that he was killed by it in the end.
“He felt strongly about claiming compensation and after he died I decided to carry on his claim. He was concerned about me and wanted me to have security once he was gone.”
Her husband decided to get in touch with his union, Unite, for help to pursue compensation.
Protection from Asbestos
Unite’s South East Regional Secretary Jennie Bremner said: “We are pleased we have been able to help this member’s family bring a successful compensation claim. We provide free legal support to all our members who have developed asbestos-related diseases as a result of being exposed to the dust in the work place.”
“Mesothelioma has affected the lives of so many of our members who were not provided with protection from asbestos.”
Thompsons Solicitors fought the case on behalf of Unite.
Client representative for Thompsons Ann-Marie Wilson added: “Mesothelioma is a cruel, painful and degrading illness. Compensation can never bring back a loved one but it can provide a sense of justice for the families affected. It is important asbestos victims and their family members obtain proper compensation from the insurers of the companies who caused the disease.”
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.