Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Compensation from the Ministry of Defence and Ford for Mesothelioma Victim’s Family
20th November 2006
Our lawyers recently secured over £50,000 compensation for the devastated family of former plumber William Springham, who tragically died from mesothelioma in April 2005.
Illness Caused by Asbestos
Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos. Mr Springham was diagnosed with the disease in October 2004, when he was sent for x-rays and a lung biopsy after he developed chest problems and difficulty breathing.
Prior to developing mesothelioma, Mr Springham was active, in good health and enjoying his retirement. His daughter, Susan Bradley, commented: “Our Dad was such an active, lovely man, liked by everyone. It was heartbreaking to see his health deteriorate in front of us. My brothers and I are devastated that he has been taken away from us through no fault of his own and we’re now fighting for justice on his behalf.”
Exposed to Asbestos by Employers
Mr Springham’s first job was as an apprentice plumber, working on the piping at the Woolwich Arsenal. He was routinely exposed to asbestos during this time and remembered that laggers would come along behind the plumbers to affix layers of asbestos mixture to the pipes.
He later went to work for Ford, in around 1958, and was based in Dagenham at the tractor plant. Part of his work involved de-scaling large water cylinders, then removing and de-scaling the bolts. When he removed the bolts, this would disturb the asbestos lagging around the chlorifyers.
William Springham was never provided with any protective wear, such as a mask, to prevent him from inhaling the harmful asbestos fibres that would later cause his life to be cut short.
Industrial Disease Claims
Our lawyers are specialists in all areas of personal injury and industrial disease, so can provide expert advice to anyone suffering from an asbestos related illness.
If you or a member of your family has been affected, contact us on 0800 0328511, or by completing an online claim enquiry form.
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