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A factory worker who has developed an asbestos related disease has received compensation with help from Thompsons Solicitors.
Arthur Collins, 75, from Ellesmere Port, developed disabling asbestosis caused by working for a roofing materials factory for more than 30 years.
Mr Collins was a plant operator at Ellesmere Port factory where he was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis until the late 1980s.
He was diagnosed with asbestosis in November 2009 after suffering from breathlessness.
Asbestosis usually develops after exposure to a lot of asbestos over a long period of time. The condition greatly increases the risk of lung cancer.
After his diagnosis he contacted asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors in Liverpool for advice.
Provisional compensation allows claim to be re-opened
Thompsons settled the case for provisional compensation which allows Mr Collins to re-open his claim if his asbestos disease gets worse.
Mr Collins said: “Over the years I’ve watched many of my friends develop asbestos disease and some die from cancer, mesothelioma. It was my worst fear that it would affect me too.
“Asbestosis has left me breathless and unable to do many of the things I used to do. I live in terror that I will get cancer in the future. This compensation gives me some peace of mind but it is also important to me that if my condition does worsen then I can re-open the claim.”
Joanne Candlish, Head of the Liverpool Asbestos Team from Thompsons Solicitors said: “Following years of negligent exposure to asbestos in the workplace. Mr Collins has been left with a debilitating disease as well as the fear that his condition will worsen. He now has the security of a court order that if his condition does deteriorate in the future or his worst fears are realised he can re-open his case and claim further compensation.”