Asbestos links leading to compensation claims
A reoccurring cause for compensation claims links to cases that relate to asbestos-related illnesses. A majority of these cases stem from the work place.
In the North West generations of workers have been exposed to asbestos in industries including oil refineries, chemical plants, and shipyards in asbestos factories.
Many others were exposed to asbestos during their time of employment in factories, building sites and even in hospitals, schools and canteens.
A personal injury lawyer's firm has worked to provide assistance to people with asbestos related diseases including, mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural thickening.
Members of the trade union, UNISON who have received a compensation claim include a gardener diagnosed with mesothelioma who was awarded £205,000.
The 57-year-old, from Liverpool was exposed to asbestos while working for the University of Liverpool during the 1980s.
He used to take his lunch breaks in the boiler room which had asbestos insulation.
Help with making claims
Following his diagnosis, the man contacted his trade union, which informed no win no fee solicitors at the legal firm, to pursue the claim in the High Court.
The man said: "I am pleased that we have won, but this is still a death sentence. As far as we were concerned we were safe at work, but I have since learnt about the dangers of asbestos."
Meanwhile, a former plasterer aged, 65 and from Blacon, Cheshire, received £45,000 after he developed pleural thickening.
The provisional settlement allowed the man to re-open the claim if his health deteriorates, particularly due to his risk of developing the fatal cancer mesothelioma.
Exposed to asbestos while at work
He was exposed to asbestos working as a plasterer at Chester College, now Chester University. During this time, he helped a joiner insulate the college theatre roof using asbestos but was not given any protection or warned of the dangers to his health.
The man said: "The compensation is a relief, but I'd rather have my health back. The most important thing for me is knowing that my wife and family will be compensated if the worst does happen."
The head of the legal firm and regional asbestos litigation team, Diana Fos said: "During the last year the compensation we have won for UNISON members and their families has made a real difference to their lives."
She added: "Many of them were seriously disabled or terminally ill because they were negligently exposed to asbestos during their employment."
Diana concluded by saying: "They have been able to pursue successful claims with the support of their union without it costing them a penny."
However she noted that many UNISON members may not be aware that they are entitled to the union's support if diagnosed with an asbestos related disease.
She said: "The use of asbestos products was commonplace in a wide range of workplaces in the North West over the last 50 years and remains present in many public buildings today."
Diana concluded by saying: "It is important that UNISON members are aware that they are entitled to free legal advice through the union if they are suffering from an asbestos related disease."
Updated on 23/02/2010