UNISON member David turned to Thompsons Solicitors after he was diagnosed with diffuse pleural thickening from being exposed to asbestos when he worked as a boiler maintenance man in Pudsey from 1978 to 1979.
David said: “My breathing problems became so bad I had no choice but to go to hospital. My dad died of lung cancer so when I was told I had a shadow on my lung, I feared the worst.
“I get so short of breath that my doctors said I’m now classed as disabled. I’m fortunate that I’m still able to work in my current role as a security guard, as I don’t need to do much physical activity. I’m worried that should this or my job change, my illness would prevent me from doing a lot of tasks.”