A CANCER patient has been given the go-ahead to sue his former employer.
John Elliott, 79, who has three children and four grandchildren, also suffers from Alzheimer's and is now living in a care home in Hartlepool.
The Elliott family, who also live in the town, have now instructed asbestos claims specialists, Thompson
s Solicitors, in Newcastle, to claim damages after the pensioner was diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma.
Mr Elliott and his family believe he was exposed to asbestos while working as an electrician at the chemicals plant ICI between 1949 and 1958.
Thompsons were given the go ahead to pursue the claim against ICI following a hearing at the Royal Courts of Justice, in London, to decide if the case could proceed, even though 11 years have passed since John was first diagnosed with asbestos related disease.
Normally court proceedings must start no later than three years after the diagnosis.
John's son, Chris, said: "My dad has waited a long time to take this case to court. We are pleased that with the help of Thompsons Solicitors we are now able to bring the claim against ICI.
"He was determined to pursue this and we are pleased that the court has now said he can."
Tony Hood, of Thompsons Solicitors, who represents the Elliott family, said: "Now that we have obtained the court's permission we are pressing ahead with John's claim and will bring it to a successful conclusion as soon as possible."
