Man wins settlement for exposure to asbestos 50 years earlier

A 65-year-old man who worked as a shipwright trainee beginning when he was 15 recently won what he calls “significant compensation” after being diagnosed with mesothelioma.

Saying workers were unaware of the dangers of asbestos exposure 50 years ago when he worked in a shipyard, the man noted no protective clothing or masks were worn on the job. He described his former worksite by saying that there was dust and asbestos everywhere, covering workers and surfaces. Workers in North Carolina and throughout the U.S. who have been exposed to asbestos may be interested in the personal injury case, especially as many employers are said to have known about the dangers of asbestos exposure decades ago, yet did nothing to protect workers.

The man’s diagnosis came after he complained of feeling extremely tired and underwent medical tests. As someone who valued being fit, he was surprised to hear the diagnosis, especially considering his exposure to asbestos was so long ago.

A former co-worker from the shipyard was also diagnosed with mesothelioma in recent years and died as a result of it. He said he is certain there are others he worked with years ago who have been affected by the asbestos exposure.

With the help of compensation specialists, he was awarded a settlement paid out by the insurance companies of all three shipyards at which the man worked. He is currently undergoing chemotherapy which has proven successful and has been effective in shrinking the size of his tumor from 6.2 cm to 2.8 cm. Additional good news came in the way of doctors being able to keep the tumor away from his spine.

Rather than worrying about how to pay for the medical testing, treatment and other costs associated with mesothelioma and other types of cancer, victims should be able to focus on getting better and being with family. Those who pursue and receive compensation from negligent parties may have an easier time doing this than those who do not.

Source: Sunderland Echo, “Ex-shipyard worker wins asbestos compensation,” Jan. 18, 2013