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Petrol worker compensated after exposure to asbestos |
Article Submitted by: Ruth Jacob
Tuesday, 09 March 2010
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A former employee of a petrol company, who was exposed to asbestos at work, has received more than £77,000 after he developed a serious lung condition.
The 62-year-old from Manchester, was diagnosed with asbestos related pleural thickening in 2008. The condition left him suffering breathlessness and has forced him to give up his job working in an airport car parking service.
He was exposed to asbestos after working as a plant operator for the group in Carrington between 1979 and 1986. He often had to remove asbestos insulation from pipe work during routine maintenance.
The worker was never warned of the dangers to his future health and was not provided with any protection. He was diagnosed with pleural thickening in July 2008 after being forced to give up work the previous Christmas.
He said the pleural thickening has left him virtually housebound and normal activities like walking and doing the garden leave him short of breath.There is also an increased chance he will go on to develop other asbestos related diseases like fatal cancer mesothelioma.
Shell worker compensated
Following his diagnosis he contacted asbestos litigation experts at a personal injury lawyer's company to claim compensation. The firm was successful in settling the claim out of court. The settlement allows him to apply for a further compensation claim should his condition worsen.
The worker said: "My condition has become so bad I can no longer work and cannot do any of the DIY jobs I used to enjoy around the house. I'm well aware that I may get asbestos related cancer which is a real fear I have to live with every day.
"The compensation has been a great help. I decided to opt for a provisional settlement in case my condition gets worse in the future. It is a relief to know if the worst happens that the choice is there."
Steven Dickens from a no win no fee solicitor's firm, said: "Pleural thickening can be a severe and debilitating disease. The claim against Shell was vigorously defended but I was able to obtain supportive evidence from numerous witnesses who worked alongside our client. "
The settlement included a court order which protects the client's right to reopen his case and claim further compensation if at any time in the future he suffers serious deterioration due to asbestos related disease.
Government will pay benefits to dependants
In related news, the Government announced that it would not restore compensation for people with pleural plaques in England and Wales.
But the Government stated they would provide a multi-million pound package, which will see increased state benefit payments for dependants of deceased asbestos victims and funding for research into asbestos related disease.
Ian McFall, the head of asbestos policy at a legal firm said: "On behalf of our clients we are disappointed the Government has decided not to overturn the House of Lords judgment although we recognise that at least some people with pleural plaques will get something.
"The commitments to the long cherished ideals of a national centre for medical research and a positive move on ELIB are as welcome as they are overdue.
"It is essential that ELIB is a guaranteed insurance fund of last resort to protect all injured workers, not just those who have asbestos-related disease." Article Source: http://www.ArticleBlast.com |
About The Author:
A former petrol worker has received a compensation claim after he suffered asbestos poisoning. His case was helped by no win no fee.
A former petrol worker has received a compensation claim after he suffered asbestos poisoning. His case was helped by no win no fee.
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