Ex-yard worker wins £70k compensation
Last updated 12:15, Wednesday, 12 November 2008
A FORMER Barrow shipyard worker has received £70,000 in compensation after he was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
North East-based Thompsons Solicitors acted for the man, who does not wish to be named.
His solicitors said the compensation was awarded after he was exposed to asbestos while working as a lagger for Millers Insulation, Turner & Newalls and Vickers Shipyard.
A Thompsons spokesman said: “He was diagnosed with fatal cancer of the lining of the lung, mesothelioma, in April this year. There is no cure for the disease which is caused by exposure to asbestos. Many sufferers die within months of diagnosis.
“Following diagnosis he sought advice from Barrow Asbestos Related Disease Support Group and he instructed asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation.”
The company said it secured a settlement from his former employers within 19 weeks. His daughter said it was devastating for the family when her dad was diagnosed with the disease.
She said: “We were shell- shocked when my dad was told he had mesothelioma even though we knew that many people in the area have been diagnosed with asbestos related diseases due to the number of people who worked in the shipyards.
“It was important to dad to get his case settled quickly so that he could benefit from the compensation. He is relieved that this has been done and that his former employers were made to accept responsibility for his illness.”
Dr Helen Clayson, founder of BARDS and medical director of St Mary’s Hospice in Ulverston, said: “Barrow has the highest incidence of mesothelioma in men in England due to the large numbers employed in the shipyards and the heavy engineering industry.
“This is a dreadful legacy for the people of Barrow and through BARDS we aim to provide high quality support to patients and their families to assist them through this very difficult time.”
Solicitor Andrew Venn, from Thompsons, who dealt with the case, said: “We understand how important it was for this client to have his case concluded during his lifetime and we are pleased we have been able to do this successfully.
“Compensation will never restore his health but it does provide some reassurance and financial security.”
The financial settlement in most asbestos related cases is a derisory pittance in comparison,to human rights pay out and other awards considered by many to be obscene for insult or racist remark.
Workers who died of asbestosis,suffered in agony,of which my father,being a ships plater was one of them.
To see him die in agony,asking to be put to sleep,begging us to end his miserable suffering.A tumour from his lungs to his brain,all because of asbestos.
My mother,along with all family members who
have suffered from this terrible death related illness,have have been castigated
to accept a payout,that is in no way related
to the capital damage,to the persons well being of life.
If it had happened in the city of London,or in the houses of Parliament,the payouts would have been massive.
But working class people are cannon fodder
for the mistakes of their supposedly betters.
Those responsible,should be held accountable
for this miss management,to their workers lives.
The pay outs,should be at least ten times,
the sum of these dirisory awards.
Imagine,going to work,daily for your pittance,knowing that your work may end your life early.
Tell that to the kids.
I believe that workers,who have worked in an
asbestos related enviroment,have been cheated,out of a normal acceptance of life
into old age.
Therefore,they should be justly rewarded.
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£70.000 sounds a lot.
Ronaldo and the likes get £120.000/week
The BBC pay some idiot performers,millions a year.
At the bottom of the list,the true British worker.
Works for a survivable wage,with no extra's
except,a possibe shorter life,and hardship in his old age.
I am pleased for the recipiant of this award,but it truely should have been much more.
The solicitors,should not be pleased with themselves.
Posted by r dawson on 12 November 2008 kl. 17:28