Mesothelioma settlement for the benefit of widow and teenage children

Peter Williams settled a claim on behalf of Mr D who was exposed to asbestos working at Joseph L Thompson & Sons Ltd, a large timber merchant in Sunderland in the 1960s and 70s. Mr D was diagnosed with mesothelioma in early 2020 aged 72 and sadly died from the disease in 2021.

Mr D, who left school at 15, began working as an apprentice for Thompsons in 1963 primarily at their saw mill and joiners shop where timber was brought up from the local docks, made into planks and other products and sold in the yard.

Mr D particularly remembered being asked to repair damaged asbestos corrugated roof sheeting, with only a rope around his middle to protect him from falling, and cutting asbestos sheeting to fit into fire doors using a large circular table saw, surrounded by plumes of dust that landed on his face, clothes and hair. He would often spend entire days every couple of months working only on cutting up asbestos sheets, with no mask or ventilation and no warning about the danger.

Mr D eventually left the company in 1971 and went onto to pursue another career for 30 years.  He retired in 2007 and effectively became a “househusband” which enabled his partner to work as a full-time solicitor.

Mr D would perform all the household tasks – cleaning, laundry, shopping – as well as gardening and DIY. He also ensured his son and daughter got the most from their out of school activities, including training and taking part in swimming competitions.

Peter successfully concluded the case which provided a six-figure settlement to enable his widow to work part-time and look after the children.

Mr D’s widow described Mr D as “one of a kind”, irreplaceable and dreadfully missed. He spent all of his time selflessly ensuring that we were cared for and that we never had anything to worry about.

Mrs D said “I was extremely lucky that the first place I called for legal support was Fieldfisher and even luckier that Peter actually answered the phone!  He and his team dealt with the case pro-actively and conscientiously throughout. He is experienced in this area of law and knows how to handle matters. Not only that, he is a thoroughly decent and kind person who understood the awful situation I suddenly found myself in. I was very fortunate to come across him.”

For further information about mesothelioma claims, please call Peter Williams on 0330 460 6805 or email peter.williams@fieldfisher.com.

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