Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Compensation Awarded in Pleural Thickening Case
13th September 2011
We recently acted on behalf of a man suffering from the asbestos-related disease, pleural thickening. Our expert industrial disease lawyers pursued a claim against his former employers and recovered compensation on his behalf.
Pleural Thickening
Pleural thickening is one of several illnesses that can be caused by exposure to asbestos. It causes the membrane surrounding the lungs to become scarred and thickened, which in turn causes the sufferer to experience respiratory problems, such as breathlessness, pain and tightness in the chest.
Our client was exposed to asbestos by several employers. He worked as a fireman and cleaner for a rail company, which involved cleaning and preparing locomotives and working at the footplate to keep the engine running. Large amounts of asbestos insulation were used in the locomotives and this produced so much dust that he would need to sweep it up.
The claimant later worked as a crane driver, at sites where buildings were demolished and constructed and at factories where old boilers and pipe work were removed. There was a lot of asbestos lagging on the items being removed and dust would be present in the air as it was moved and disturbed.
During his employment he was not provided with personal protective equipment to prevent him from inhaling this dangerous dust and was never warned about the dangers to his health.
He began to suffer breathing problems and doctors found fluid on his lungs. Tests confirmed that he was suffering from pleural thickening and also mild asbestosis. Because of his condition he required help with shopping, housework and gardening, personal care became difficult and he could only walk short distances, which affected his social activities.
Industrial Disease Claim
Our specialist personal injury lawyers have decades of experience in recovering compensation for the victims of illnesses caused by asbestos, so the claimant appointed us to act on his behalf in a compensation claim against his former employers.
The case involved multiple defendants and all but one of the companies our client worked for were in liquidation or no longer trading. One of his former employers had also been bought out several times and the company that had most recently taken over said they did not assume the liabilities of their predecessors. We worked hard to trace the insurers responsible for the period of his employment however and, even though they initially denied they were the insurer, we presented sufficient information that they were forced to admit they were.
We put forward medical evidence of our client’s condition, details of how each company exposed him to asbestos and information about the effects he was suffering.
It was necessary for us to commence Court proceedings as only one defendant admitted liability, but eventually we were able to negotiate a total settlement of damages in excess of £50,000 on his behalf before the case went to trial.
This case is a good example of the determined and thorough approach of our lawyers and highlights the importance of having an experienced, specialist personal injury lawyer acting on your behalf.
Asbestos Claim Advice
If you or a member of your family is suffering from an asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to claim compensation.
Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online, for cost free, expert advice.
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