Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Over £250,000 Compensation for Family of Mesothelioma Victim
16th May 2011
Our specialist industrial disease lawyers assist many innocent victims of asbestos-related illnesses, and their families, every year. In a recent case, we secured compensation for the family of a man who tragically died due to mesothelioma.
Exposed to Asbestos at Work
In the course of his work at a well known chemical company, our client was exposed to asbestos. He carried out research on the uses of asbestos and had to cut up pieces by hand. This work created a lot of dust, but he was not provided with any mask or protective equipment to prevent him from inhaling the hazardous fibres.
As a result of this work he developed mesothelioma, a deadly form of cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure.
Prior to becoming unwell our client was a fit and active man and he was still working as a director of a successful family business, even though he had passed the normal retirement age. As his illness progressed however he suffered constant, severe pain and disabling respiratory problems and he lost a lot of weight. He underwent operations and other hospital treatments in an attempt to help with the symptoms, however his mobility grew very limited and he needed more and more assistance with personal care. He was eventually wheelchair bound and required round the clock care.
In addition to the physical symptoms of this debilitating illness, he suffered a great deal of distress and anxiety due to his diagnosis and the knowledge that his condition was terminal.
Mesothelioma Compensation Claim
The claimant approached us for help with making an industrial disease claim against his former employer. He sadly died before the claim could be concluded, however we continued to act on behalf of his family.
We pursued the case on the basis that his former employer failed to implement adequate health and safety measures to protect him from the hazardous substance he worked with. They could have provided personal protective equipment, better ventilation and extraction systems and they did not warn our client about the risks to his health.
The company admitted liability and we entered into negotiations with their insurer with regard to compensation. We recovered over £250,000 in damages for the family of the deceased. This sum took into account the considerable pain and suffering he endured because of his work-related illness, and also the resulting financial costs to himself and his family. This included elements such as the costs of mobility aids and home modifications, care, travel and medical expenses, funeral costs and his loss of past and future income. An award of bereavement damages was also included.
Mesothelioma Claim Advice
If you or a member of your family is suffering from mesothelioma, or any other asbestos-related disease, you may be in a position to make a compensation claim.
At The Legal Line our lawyers are experts in industrial disease, with many years of experience. Contact us on 0800 0328511, or by completing a claim enquiry form online, for cost-free advice on your potential case.
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