Injury claim news
20/03/2007

Mechanic makes no win no fee claim for asbestos illness

A car mechanic who made a no win no fee compensation claim against his former employer after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related cancer has been awarded £300,000.

The man from Hughenden Valley, Buckinghamshire, contacted personal injury solicitors after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2003.

He believed that he was exposed to asbestos in the 1970s and 1980s while working on cars with asbestos break pads.

With the help of a personal injury solicitor, the man was awarded £300,000 in an out-of-court settlement.

Commenting on his successful no win no fee claim he said, "I was pleasantly surprised how quickly it was resolved. I could have ended up with nothing. It has made a significant difference to my family."

His personal injury solicitor said, "This case was unusual, but I am sure that it will not be unique. Mechanics that serviced and repaired breaks and clutches during the time asbestos components were used risked heavy exposure to the fatal dust.

"Once released into the air the asbestos dust would linger in the shop and the mechanics were highly likely to breathe in the asbestos fibres. Also, the mechanics would often get the asbestos dust on their hands, so there was a danger of them swallowing particles when eating."

The employer's solicitor declined to comment on the no win no fee mesothelioma compensation claim.