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A former maintenance worker from Cheshire has received £30,000 in compensation after developing asbestos-related conditions.
The 80-year-old worked for a chemical manufacturer between 1963 and 1990, as a process controller at various plants in the region. His role was to supervise laggers, who would remove old asbestos lagging, causing dust to circulate throughout the plants.
In his last three years working for the business, the man’s employer hired contractors to safely remove asbestos from the plants. However, prior to this, he was not made aware of the dangers of asbestos and was never given protective equipment.
After developing a chest infection and breathlessness, he visited his GP, who discovered asbestos on his lungs. Further tests confirmed he was suffering from Pleural thickening and asbestosis.
| “Thompsons’ specialist asbestos team has supported tens of thousands of people who have developed asbestos diseases as a result of their former employers’ negligence. We’re glad to have secured provisional compensation for our member, but if he had been provided with safety equipment he would not be in this upsetting situation.”, Source: Janet Finney |
He contacted asbestos specialists, Thompsons Solicitors, to investigate a claim for compensation. Thompsons secured a provisional settlement, meaning his case can be re-opened if he develops more serious asbestos conditions, such as mesothelioma. He was also supported by the Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group.
The man said: “I couldn’t have asked for a better service from Thompsons. Alongside the Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group, they kept me informed every step of the way and removed a lot of the stress from making a claim.
“Having a provisional settlement gives me peace of mind that, should my condition get worse, I can turn to Thompsons for further legal support.”
Janet Finney, of Thompsons Solicitors, said: “Our client was exposed to asbestos on a regular basis for almost three decades, yet it wasn’t until close to his retirement that he became aware of just how dangerous it is.
“Thompsons’ specialist asbestos team has supported tens of thousands of people who have developed asbestos diseases as a result of their former employers’ negligence. We’re glad to have secured provisional compensation for our client, but if he had been provided with safety equipment he would not be in this upsetting situation.”