Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#1
We have just found out that my Father in Law has lung cancer, caused by Asbestos. He worked for Bowzells Construction, Deal, before he retired they were taken over by Brett Construction.
He was a civil engeneer foreman working at three power station sites, Kingsnorth, Bank and Richborough. He had lots of contact with asbestos and in the space of a couple of months has gone from a big strong man to a shadow of himself.
He has asked me to look into compensation as he remembers well the concerns he and other's had about working with Asbestos, only to be told it was safe.
With what happened with many miners claims, including my Father's, I am reluctant to go to just any solicitor, I am even willing to leave them out of the equation if that is possible? I would appreciate any assistance or advice from someone with experience on this situation?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Brian Dixon
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 23 Sep 2008
- Posts: 23,940
#2
garyc,try your nearest c.a.b office they might be able to help.
ps.sorry to hear about your dad.
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#3
Gary, Two ways to go about this ,(I) You can go to your or your Father-in-law old Union they will deal with it with no cost,or (2)Go to a Solicitors on a no win no cost,they will take it up if they win still no cost,s will come out of any funding you might get, the other side will pay all costs if you do not win you will still not have to pay.
One of the very best in the UK ARE Thompsons Solicitors of the UK.Tel number is 01716379761. There will never be any cost you .If you wish to know more please Email me.
#4
GaryC, I am so sorry for your troubles. I hope your compensation quest goes well. Vics suggestion of using the union is good. Whatever we all say about unions and bosses, the unions can be of real help in this situation. And they will have done it all before.
howard mcsweeney1- Location: Dover
- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 62,352
#5
i would go along with that about contacting the union first, sorry about the situation gary.
Jan Higgins
- Location: Dover
- Registered: 5 Jul 2010
- Posts: 13,931
#6
I agree try the union first if not then Citizens Advice and lastly a solicitor. So sorry about the news and please tell him to keep fighting.
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I try to be neutral and polite but it is hard and getting even more difficult at times.
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Keith Sansum1
- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#7
Interesting all the anti union comments on other threads, and here we are saying how good they are.
Garyc i'm also sorry to hear of your probs and issues, the union is the best route as most, if not all the unions, have soicitors and barristers who take up these type of claims all the time, so have the experience to give you the best advice.
I do hope you manage to get some results.
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Keith Sansum1- Location: london
- Registered: 25 Aug 2010
- Posts: 23,948
#8
Interesting all the anti union comments on other threads, and here we are saying how good they are.
Garyc i'm also sorry to hear of your probs and issues, the union is the best route as most, if not all the unions, have soicitors and barristers who take up these type of claims all the time, so have the experience to give you the best advice.
I do hope you manage to get some results.
ALL POSTS ARE MY OWN PERSONAL VIEWS
Guest 698- Registered: 28 May 2010
- Posts: 8,664
#9
I'm an optimist. But I'm an optimist who takes my raincoat - Harold Wilson
Ross Miller
- Location: London Road, Dover
- Registered: 17 Sep 2008
- Posts: 3,709
#10
Gary I can only echo what others have said - firstly my sympathies for your fathers plight and secondly go via the union if he has one, check out the link Peter has left and finally their is a reason most unions use Thompsons...
"Dream as if you'll live forever. Live as if you'll die today." - James Dean
"Being deeply loved by someone gives you strength,
While loving someone deeply gives you courage" - Laozi
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#11
Thank you All for your kind thoughts.
I did Google his union but was not sure if they would take it up now that he has been retired for so long.
He was in the T&G, which I assume is now UNITE. I did search their site earlier but only found a phone number with no reply.
Following your advice I will try contacting them again tomorrow.
Many Thanks
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#12
Yes they will take it up Gary,by the way that is the union I am still in as a life member,they should take up your case,any more help I can give please email me.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#13
Peter.
Thanks for link, it is very helpful and informative.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#14
Thanks Vic.
I will keep you all informed with progress.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
#15
Hi Gary I am very sorry to hear about your Father in laws ill health. Some unions took out " class actions " ( not the right term Im afraid but I cant remember the right one ) about asbestosis , Unite may have the ability to help him. Thompsons are a fantastic organisation who helped many of my branches members get the compensation they absolutly deserved from their employers . All the very best to you and your family
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#16
GaryC
My heart goes out to you and your family during this very difficult time.
The ''unpaid high price'' paid by engineers like yor father-in-law and manual workers last century is only now coming home to roost and has been brushed under the carpet by successive governments.
I wish him well in his endevours to obtain financial compensation and recognition for the part he and many ohers played to make this country the power house of the world only to see it frittered and thrown away by todays disposable polticians.
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)
Guest 649- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 14,118
#17
Thank you Sarah as I said Thompsons are the very best there is.
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#18
Thank you Sarah, Marek and others. I do appreciate your comments.
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 671- Registered: 4 May 2008
- Posts: 2,095
#19
Initial contact with UNITE was promising and their staff have been very pleasant & helpful but as normal I have already come up with a major problem.
My Father-in-law retired 15 years ago and has no paper work with his T&G membership no.
UNITE have no records of him and without this number, we cannot make a claim?
"My New Year's Resolution, is to try and emulate Marek's level of chilled out, thoughtfulness and humour towards other forumites and not lose my decorum"
Guest 645- Registered: 12 Mar 2008
- Posts: 4,463
#20
If he paid by direct debit they may be something there to follow up. If he paid his dues cash he should have received a small book indicating his payments and that would have been noted in a large ledger which should be in the T&G archives.Failing that it could be on an old payslip if his fees were deducted at source.
Best of luck
Marek
I think therefore I am (not a Tory supporter)