The Unite member was exposed to asbestos while working for a refinery and a car manufacturer
The family of an Essex man who passed away after developing an asbestos-related disease has settled for £147,000.
The Unite member worked as a forklift driver at a refinery in London from 1957 to 1963, where he was exposed to asbestos when colleagues stripped lagging off pipework.
He also worked for a car manufacturer in the 1960s and 1970s and was again exposed to asbestos when maintenance work was carried out onsite.
Neither of his employers provided him with personal protective equipment (PPE) or warned him about the dangers of asbestos exposure.
When he started suffering from chest pains and a build-up of mucus, he visited his GP who referred him to hospital for tests. It was found that he had fluid on his right lung and he was then diagnosed with the fatal asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma.
Sadly, he later passed away, aged 72.
After his diagnosis he contacted Unite Legal Services and instructed asbestos disease specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, to investigate a claim for compensation.
His wife, said: “I’m not sure what we would have done without his union. Thanks to its support, we were put in touch with Thompsons who quickly began looking at his work history to see when and where he was exposed to asbestos.
“It was heart breaking to see my husband’s health deteriorate. The support of Thompsons Solicitors has helped us feel acknowledged for what we’ve been through.”
Peter Kavanagh, regional secretary at Unite the Union, said: “Although asbestos was banned in 1999, this case is a tragic example of how the widespread use of it decades ago still affects so many people to this day. Our member never worked directly with asbestos, but was in close proximity to it and this exposure was enough for him to develop a fatal disease.
“Specialist legal support meant that his work history could be investigated to see when he was exposed to asbestos, and witnesses could be contacted to build up the case. In addition to compensation for the family, a sum was recovered for the hospice that he stayed in to recognise the costs that were incurred for care that was required as a result of his former employers’ negligence.
“I am delighted that some acknowledgement has been made of the family’s suffering and loss, and that Unite has been able to ensure that justice has been done.”
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.