.jpg)
A former shipyard worker on Tyneside, has received compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer.
Kenneth Gough, 85, from Gateshead was diagnosed with lung cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos in January 2012 after complaining of breathlessness.
Mr Gough was exposed to asbestos during his 40-year career working in various Tyneside shipyards. He started work in the yards as a 15-year-old apprentice in 1941.
He was never warned by his employers about the dangers of asbestos or provided with any protection.
The dad-of-three and granddad-of-four contacted Thompsons Solicitors for advice after his diagnosis.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
Thompsons successfully settled his claim for compensation within five months.
Mr Gough said: “I’ve worked with asbestos most of my life so when I was diagnosed with lung cancer I wanted to find out more about whether it was caused by my work.
“I’ve been impressed with how quickly Thompsons handled my claim. I didn’t know what to expect but Thompsons made the whole process very easy.
“I am anxious about what my future holds. I’m trying to take each day as it comes. It is difficult coming to terms with this having been caused by my work. Asbestos was part of the job but I was never warned that it could lead to serious illness years later.”
Gill Connelly from Thompsons Solicitors added: “I am pleased we have achieved a successful outcome on behalf of Mr Gough. He was exposed to asbestos by many employers based on the Tyne and as a result has developed lung cancer. Because Mr Gough sought legal advice without delay I was able to investigate his claim quickly and bring it to a successful conclusion within five months.”