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Asbestos victim wins big payout
A FORMER docker who is dying from an asbestos-related cancer has fought through the courts to receive substantial compensation for his family.
Mesothelioma sufferer Ian Waite, 62, from Seaton Carew, was awarded "significant" compensation at Teesside Crown Court.
Judge Peter Bowers ruled he was negligently exposed to asbestos while unloading cargo ships in Hartlepool docks.
Tees and Hartlepool Port Authority, now owned by PD Teesport, denied that Mr Waite had been exposed to asbestos during his employment.
Mr Waite, who is married and has a daughter, said he went to court to make sure his family were provided for and to raise awareness about the dangers faced by dockers.
He said: "At 62 my working life is now over, but this compensation will ensure my family have financial security.
"I never expected the claim to get to court in my lifetime, and it is a relief that it has all been taken care of so quickly.
"It was a great shock to be diagnosed with mesothelioma. I've had chemotherapy and taken the decision to live life as normally as I can. So far it seems to be working."
There have been successful asbestos compensation claims against the port authority before, but they have been brought by former dockers who were handling consignments of asbestos.
Mr Waite did not handle the dangerous material, but was exposed to it while working as a docker from 1972 until the late 1980s, unloading timber brought to Hartlepool on Russian cargo ships.
He said the pipework in the ships' holds was covered with asbestos, and that he was exposed to asbestos dust when the pipework insulation was disturbed as the timber was being unloaded.
Mr Waite was diagnosed with mesothelioma in December 2007. There is no cure for this cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos.
Thompsons Solicitors obtained evidence to prove that asbestos was present on the ships' pipework in the areas where Mr Waite worked.
PD Teesport called witnesses to dispute the claim at trial.
Helen Jones from Thompsons said: "This case was fought all the way to trial because PD Teesport disputed Mr Waite's account that asbestos was present on the pipework in the ships.
"It was important the judge was able to evaluate the evidence from Mr Waite and the other witnesses to decide on the truth of the matter.
"The court found resolutely in our client's favour. I am pleased that it was possible to finalise the claim during his lifetime. This is the right result for Mr Waite, who can now concentrate on his family."
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Sunday 27 May 2012
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