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Raymond Shanks, a former Tyneside shipyard worker has won £948,565 in High Court after developing a fatal lung cancer related to asbestos exposure.
Shank's son died of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma at the age of 28 in 2003. Before Michael died, Mr Shanks had promised his son that he would support his two children, now aged nine and seven. But, Shanks was was diagnosed with mesothelioma 2 years after the demise of his son and he decided to sue Newcastle-based Swan Hunter, where he worked as an electrician for four years.
Shank was an electrician at their shipyard in Wallsend, Tyneside, from 1965. He had to work close to laggers and others working with asbestos and this was his only exposure to asbestos ever in the working life.
In 1982, he emigrated to Adelaide, Australia, with his wife and family in 1982. He was working as a construction manager there, but returned to the UK in October 2005 after he was diagnosed with the deadly disease.
Shank had an operation and intensive chemotherapy there. He was able to enjoy a good quality life since April 2006. However, he had to suffer from a constant pain in his chest.
Shank said that he is likely to live until early 2009 only.
The High Court declared a compensation of £948,565 Thursday for pain, suffering, loss of earnings and other expenses.
Mr Shanks was awarded £70,000 for pain, suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. The balance of the award was made up of sums for relocation costs, loss of earnings past and present.
The award to Raymond Shanks is one of the biggest ever awarded for an asbestos victim.
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