An ex-shipyard worker from South Tyneside, who has campaigned tirelessly for workers suffering from asbestos related illness, has been awarded £5,000 compensation.

Bob Cusworth suffers with pleural plaques, a scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos dust. He was a shipyard worker for over forty years, where he claims there was very little, if any protection against the killer material.

Bob, who has lost almost 50 former workmates due to the adverse effects of asbestos inhalation, remains annoyed that not everyone suffering from the illness will receive compensation.

On the 17th of October, 2007 the Law Lords decided that people suffering with pleural plaques did not qualify for compensation, despite numerous claims being settled prior to this date. However, the former Labour Government agreed to pay £5,000 compensation to all sufferers who made a claim before the Law Lords decision was made. Anyone claiming after this cut off point will receive nothing.

Bob commented; “I still feel very sorry for all the lads who won’t receive a penny, just because they claimed after the 2007 ruling. He added “I’m going to keep fighting for full and proper compensation for everyone who is living with pleural plaques.”

Pleural plagues are one of the first signs that someone has been exposed to asbestos fibres, as they rarely form for any other reason. The condition in itself is not fatal but can trigger more serious conditions such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.

Source: InjuriesDirect

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