A recent news article highlighted the story of a man recently diagnosed with mesothelioma. According to reports, he has received a considerably large payout from his former employer. The former 82-year-old union official was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs that can take decades to develop. Mesothelioma is a terminal cancer and is only caused by exposure to asbestos, commonly in the workplace. There currently is no cure.
The retired railway worker is one of many from his town to develop mesothelioma. He was first exposed to asbestos when he began working at the age of 16 as an apprentice for a locomotive company in 1945. He later became a full-time union official.
After complaining to his general practitioner about breathlessness, the man was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July. From his experience with co-workers and friends who have died of mesothelioma, he immediately knew where his exposure to asbestos began.
The long-standing union member contacted his union soon after diagnosis, and they set a claim investigation in motion. His claim was finalized in less than five months. He was impressed with the speed of the process and glad that his wife will be provided for in the future.
The union has extensive experience dealing with asbestos-related illness and this particular locomotive company. The regional secretary of the union said that sadly, many of their members have died over the years due to "negligent exposure to asbestos in the workplace." The union offers support to all current and retired members who develop mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases.
When someone is injured on the job in Arizona, regardless of who is to blame, they may be entitled to compensation. Because of this no-fault coverage, workers' compensation is an injured worker's only choice once he or she gets hurt on the job in Arizona. Unless someone officially rejects the coverage before they are hurt, they cannot sue their employer. Filing for workers' compensation can be a difficult and complicated process and it is important to understand your rights.
Source: Crewe Guardian, "Payout for former Crewe railway worker," Nov. 9, 2011
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