Exposed to asbestos as apprentice plumber
Thompsons Solicitors has succeeded in obtaining more than £245,000 in compensation for a plumber diagnosed with fatal asbestos cancer.
The 62-year-old, from Whitchurch, Cardiff was exposed to asbestos while working as an apprentice plumber for Cardiff Corporation, later known as Cardiff County Council, from 1965 to 1970.
During his time at the Corporation he worked on house and school maintenance programmes where he was exposed to asbestos present in heating systems and roofs.
Among the buildings he worked in were Cathays High School, Allensbank Primary School and Lady Mary High School.
Never warned of dangers of asbestos or provided with protection
He was never warned about the dangers of asbestos nor given adequate protection from the dust.
He first began to suffer from symptoms of asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma, in December 2009 and was diagnosed with the fatal disease in March 2010.
The married dad of three and granddad to six contacted his trade union, the GMB, which instructed asbestos compensation specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, to investigate a claim.
No idea how much damage the asbestos would do
He said: “When I was diagnosed with mesothelioma I knew that I’d been exposed to asbestos working for the Corporation. I recall thinking back then that my work might come back to haunt me but I had no idea just how much damage the asbestos would do to me. We were never told by our employers that it was dangerous.om
“When the GMB suggested I claim compensation I knew it was the right thing to do. It is a relief to know that this compensation is now available for my wife in the future.”
John Phillips GMB Regional Secretary said: “The legacy of asbestos in Wales has affected many of our members who are sadly diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos-related disease. We are pleased to provide all our members with free legal support to help them claim compensation.
Eamonn McDonough from Thompsons Solicitors added: “It was particularly important that this case was settled during his lifetime so he could make provision for his family.”
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.