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News Desk | News Story
30th September 2009
T&N pensioner receives compensation
Diagnosed with Pleural Thickening
A Bolton pensioner is among the first to receive compensation from the Turner & Newall (T&N) asbestos Trust following a change in the law to help asbestos victims.The 76-year-old from Bolton was diagnosed with pleural thickening in 2008 after he was exposed to asbestos while working for Turner Brothers Asbestos Company for 20 years in the Greater Manchester area.
Following his diagnosis he pursued a claim against the T&N Trust, a fund set up to compensate those who suffer from an asbestos related disease caused by T&N, but his compensation payment was delayed by seven months due to a change in the law.
T&N exposed thousands of workers across the UK to asbestos
T&N exposed thousands of workers across the UK to asbestos. It went into administration in 2001 and as a result the Trust only pays out a percentage of the full compensation.
In 2008 a new law was introduced to make a lump sum benefit payment from the DWP to asbestos victims within 15 weeks of diagnosis. Under the new scheme the benefits are refunded to the Government (usually by the employer’s insurers) in the event of a successful claim against the employer.
Before 2008 T&N claimants were exempt from repaying state benefits, but there was no exemption under the new law meaning hundreds of families who were already receiving only part of their compensation were left even further out of pocket.
Change in the Law
Following objections from asbestos victims support groups backed by legal argument from asbestos claims specialists Thompsons Solicitors and a campaign by the trade union Unite, the Government passed Regulations reinstating the right of T&N claimants to keep the statutory benefits in addition to the compensation from the T&N Trust fund.
The Bolton pensioner is among the first to receive compensation from the T&N Trust following the law change.
Steve Dickens from Thompsons Solicitors, which represented him said: “Settlement of this case was delayed until the Government reinstated T&N claimants’ right to receive statutory benefits in addition to compensation from the T&N Trust fund.
“Due to this successful campaign, which led to a change in the law, this client and many other T&N asbestos victims will be substantially better off even if their compensation does fall short of what they would have received had T&N still been trading or had full insurance.”
Pleural thickening causes breathlessness and disability
The pensioner was diagnosed in 2008 with pleural thickening which causes breathlessness and disability. He worked for T&N for 20 years at its factories in Rochdale and Hindley Green where he was exposed to asbestos on a daily basis.
He said: “I have had to adapt to my condition and I now realise I am always going to have breathing problems.
“The change in the law meant my case was delayed but it was worth it now that everyone who suffers asbestos related disease caused by T&N will be better off.”
Pleural Thickening Compensation
If you or someone you know has developed Diffuse Pleural Thickening or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim including pleural thickening claims. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters and specialise in helping victims of asbestos make compensation claims. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for pleural thickening compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a pleural thickening claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your illness, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
Contact us about your accident or injury
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