A former shipyard worker has been awarded nearly £1m in compensation after developing mesothelioma from exposure to asbestos at work. Raymond Shanks, 59, worked for the shipbuilders Swan Hunter for four years from 1965. During this time he was in close proximity to insulation fitters and others handling asbestos. During Mr Shanks’s working life, this was his only exposure to asbestos.

Mr Shanks was diagnosed with the asbestos-related lung cancer in 2005 and underwent surgery and chemotherapy. Whilst he is currently able to enjoy a reasonable quality of life, he suffers from constant pain in his chest and finds it difficult to walk for any distance. The outlook for those suffering from this virulent form of cancer is generally poor because the disease is very often advanced by the time symptoms appear.

Swan Hunter had accepted liability but had disputed the amount of the claim. Judge Gary Hickinbottom ruled that Mr Shanks should be awarded £948,514 in compensation. More than half of this is to compensate him for loss of earnings, £70,000 is for pain, suffering and loss of amenity and the balance of the award is to cover relocation costs and other expenses. It is thought to be one of the largest ever payouts for industrial disease.

For further information on mesothelioma, see the HSE website.

Asbestos-related illnesses are among the most common industrial diseases in the UK. We are experienced in handling claims for all kinds of industrial injuries.