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News Desk | News Story
11th May 2010
Double tragedy for asbestos cancer victim
Mesothelioma Compensation
An asbestos cancer sufferer whose first wife died from the same disease has received compensation from his former employers.Roland Lakin, 70, from Chorley in Lancashire was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2009.
There is no cure for mesothelioma, a type of cancer of the lining of the lung and stomach, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease develops decades after the asbestos exposure and sufferers often have just months to live following diagnosis.
Mr Lakin, who is originally from Birmingham, knows only too well the devastating effects of mesothelioma after nursing his first wife, Thelma, through the disease until she died in 2006.
Exposed to asbestos working in an office block
She was exposed to asbestos working in an office block in Birmingham.
Mr Lakin, who has two children, worked for Darlington Insulation Limited on the construction of power stations in Drakelow and Radcliffe between 1964 and 1974 where he came into contact with asbestos.
Following Thelma’s death Mr Lakin remarried and settled in Lancashire with his wife Margaret. He first became unwell in April 2009 and a biopsy confirmed he had mesothelioma.
Thompsons Solicitors made claim for compensation
He contacted his trade union, Unite, which instructed specialist asbestos lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation.
Thompsons successfully concluded the claim in an out of court settlement for £169,000.
He said: “Having nursed my first wife through mesothelioma I am only too aware of what my future holds. I try hard not to think about the negatives and to enjoy what little time we now have left. Due to my experience with Thelma’s illness I was quick to react when I first became ill. This has allowed me to receive treatment which I hope will help keep the disease at bay.
“It was a terrible shock to be told I had mesothelioma and difficult to believe that we could both be struck down with it within a matter of years of each other.”
Paul Finegan, Unite North West Regional Secretary said: “It is heartbreaking that Mr Lakin and his first wife both developed mesothelioma. They worked in completely different occupations showing how indiscriminate and lethal asbestos is across all sectors of employment.”
Steven Dickens from Thompsons Solicitors added: “I am pleased to have been able to help Mr Lakin pursue his claim for compensation to a successful outcome within his lifetime. Having cared for his first wife through her illness he knows how precious time is and was determined to make sure his family was provided for financially in the future. With the support of his union’s legal service I have been able to bring his case to a swift conclusion.
This news story was also published by Lancashire Telegraph.
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any personal injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a 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 injury, 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.
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