Our client was diagnosed with mesothelioma towards the end of August 2019 after suffering from shortness of breath over a couple of months. He eventually decided to see his GP about his symptoms and was referred for further investigations which resulted in the devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma.
Acting quickly after diagnosis
He instructed the Boyes Turner Asbestos and Mesothelioma team quickly after his diagnosis and we immediately set about investigating his potential claim.
His main asbestos exposure came about in the late 1950s/1960s when he worked as a general shop assistant in a shop which sold DIY supplies, paint, wallpaper, ironmongery and tools. The shop also sold offcuts of materials, including asbestos sheeting. His duties included serving customers, dealing with stock and tidying the shop. He was also responsible for dealing with the asbestos offcuts, cutting them to size for customers and assisting with the delivery and storage of such materials from the supplier. As a result, he was exposed to asbestos dust and debris.
In later years, he worked out of a builder’s yard. He had to cut asbestos sheeting, including asbestolux, which was sold to the public and trade.
Our client was a tidy man and used to sweep, clean and tidy both in the shop and the yard, causing further exposure to asbestos dust
Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme application
Investigations revealed that the business was no longer in existence and insurers could not be traced.
The claim therefore had to proceed as a Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS) application.
The Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme was enacted in 2014 to allow mesothelioma victims to claim a lump sum payment from the Government where the negligent former employer is no longer trading and the insurers cannot be traced.
We submitted the DMPS application swiftly and within six weeks we had notification that his claim had been successful and he was to receive a six figure sum by way of compensation.
Less than four months following his diagnosis of mesothelioma, he had received his compensation and matters were concluded.
We are delighted to have assisted his client with his successful DMPS application and for it to have been concluded so quickly, leaving him with peace of mind and to allow him to focus on his treatment and his future plans.
If you or a loved one are suffering from mesothelioma or if you would like advice about a mesothelioma claim then contact us by email at [email protected]
