Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Justice for Families Affected by Asbestos
26th June 2008
A dedicated team of lawyers who fight for compensation on behalf of people suffering from asbestos related disease have recovered just under £10 million for clients in the North West in the last 12 months.
Specialist Industrial Disease Lawyers
Our lawyers' specialist asbestos team has successfully obtained compensation on behalf of asbestos sufferers and their families throughout the country.
In the North West, for example, thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos dust while working in heavy industries including oil refineries, chemical plants and in the shipyards in Liverpool and in Turner and Newall’s asbestos factories. Many others were exposed to asbestos during their employment in factories, building sites and even in hospitals, schools and canteens.
Our lawyers' specialist legal team provides legal assistance to people with asbestos related diseases including, mesothelioma, asbestosis and lung cancer.
The firm only ever works for injured people and has a long tradition of representing trade unions, their members and their families who receive high quality free legal advice.
The firm is known for its campaigning stance on issues affecting people exposed to asbestos.
Mesothelioma Compensation Claims
Among the successful cases completed this year by the Manchester and Liverpool offices include a family who received a substantial sum in compensation after their dad died from mesothelioma.
Ted O’Kines, 85, from Whitby, Ellesmere Port died in November 2004 just three months after he was diagnosed by the deadly disease. He was exposed to asbestos working for Vauxhall Motor Company in Luton and later at their Ellesmere Port site.
His son, also called Ted, said his dad wanted to make sure his four grandchildren, aged between eight and 35, were provided for.
He said: “It was important to him to gain compensation. He was upset when he found out he had contracted this disease and that he had not been warned about the dangers of asbestos. However, he was very loyal to his employers and felt he was privileged to have had a job.
“In the end all he cared about was making sure the grandchildren would have a decent future. He would be pleased to know that his claim was successful even though he didn’t live to see the outcome
Thompsons also helped a widow, who does not wish to be named, from Bolton receive £218,000 in compensation from the trustees of Turner and Newall (T&N) after her husband died from mesothelioma.
It was one of the biggest payments received by family members of those who have died from exposure to asbestos at T&N’s factories across the country.
Her husband died from lung cancer mesothelioma in August 2001 after being exposed to asbestos as a 16-year-old apprentice at T&N’s Wigan factory.
During the last year our lawyers ’ asbestos team has campaigned for the level of bereavement payments for mesothelioma sufferer’s families to be brought in line with those paid in Scotland.
They have also been involved in the union led campaign to restore compensation for people diagnosed with pleural plaques after the right was withdrawn by a House of Lords decision last year. The Government has just recently announced a consultation which is expected to be published this month.
The firm are currently involved in a nine week High Court test case to protect the rights to compensation for mesothelioma sufferers and their families. A judgement is expected in the autumn.
Head of our lawyer's regional asbestos litigation team, Diana Fos said: “During the last year the compensation we have won for our clients has made a real difference to their lives. Many of them were seriously disabled or terminally ill because they were negligently exposed to asbestos during their employment. They have been able to pursue successful claims without it costing them a penny.
“Compensation payments for asbestos victims have been under siege from the insurance industry and we shall continue to fight for our clients to ensure their rights are protected.”
Asbestos Claim Advice
If you or someone close to you is suffering from or has died due to an asbestos related disease, or any other type of industrial disease, we may be able to assist you in making a claim for damages.
Our lawyers have a wealth of experience in all areas of personal injury and can provide expert guidance and claim advice on a confidential, cost-free basis. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online.
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