Asbestosis Victim recovers compensation
A Merseyside man who now suffers from asbestosis has successfully sued four of his six former employers.
The 79 year old former joiner from Southport, Merseyside, worked for a number of different firms during the 1950s and early 1960s and was regularly exposed to asbestos without warning or breathing protection.
Albert Flood is a member of leading trade union UNISON and brought his claim for compensation with the support of their personal injury specialists Thompsons Solicitors. As a result, four of his former employers - Pochin’s PLC, Cammell Laird Ship Builders Ltd, Carillion Construction (Contracts) Ltd and Sir Robert Lloyd - have been forced to pay a one off settlement of £25,000.
Asbestosis caused shortness of breath
Albert Flood comments: “It was such a shock when the CT scan revealed that I was suffering from asbestosis. My breathing difficulties have increased and I now get severe shortness of breath. I’ve had to buy a mobility scooter so I can get around outside. Because of the support of my Union and Thompsons, I can enjoy the benefit of the compensation now; this is a big bonus as I have no family to leave the money to.”
Glen Williams, Branch Secretary for UNISON said: “Mr Flood’s case proves just how beneficial Trade Union membership can be. Even if your exposure occurred before you became a member you may still be entitled to the benefit of Union legal aid. It also demonstrates the importance of keeping up your trade union membership upon retirement.”
Representing Albert Flood, Joanne Candlish from Thompsons Solicitors in Liverpool explains:
“It’s so difficult in cases like this to track down the companies who are no longer trading. Unfortunately we were unable to find all of the companies who had exposed Mr Flood to asbestos so he was unable to recover the full value of his claim. That said, he is very content with the damages secured.”
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.