Tendring: Compensation after asbestos tragedy

3:13pm Monday 4th February 2008

Comments (0)   Have your say »

A WIDOW has been awarded compensation after her husband died from cancer caused by working with asbestos.

Valerie Tye, of Harwich, received a "substantial undisclosed payment" in damages following the loss of Bob Tye to mesothelioma.

The devastating disease is caused by asbestos and has no cure.

Mr Tye was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2005 - decades after he was first exposed to the lethal substance - and he died the next May, aged 63.

He had been in contact with asbestos when he was a teenager working as an apprentice shipwright for British Rail at Parkeston Quay.

He maintained British Rail Merchant Navy vessels including passenger ferries sailing from Harwich to Hook in Holland.

Mrs Tye, 65, who met Bob at a dance when they were 16, said he was helped by trade union Unite to claim compensation.

She said: "Bob knew he had worked with asbestos when he was a teenager and in later years he discovered that it was dangerous but he never imagined it would lead to this.

"At the time they had no idea of the consequences.

"He was determined to get the compensation and he said: 'you will need that when I am gone'.

"It will give me a comfortable life but it will not bring Bob back."

Mr Tye is survived by his widow, three children and six grandchildren.

Steve Hart, Unite Regional Secretary for London and East, said:"Mesothelioma is a terrible disease for all involved.

"Sadly, in this case, a family has been left without a husband, dad and grandfather.

"Unite will continue to fight on behalf of its current and retired members who are suffering from asbestos related disease to ensure they are fully compensated."

Unite's lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, helped Mr Tye's family claim the compensation.

Andrew Venn, from Thompsons, said: "It is important asbestos victims and their family members obtain proper compensation from the insurers of the companies who caused the disease.

"In the past many employers failed to take the necessary safeguards to protect workers from the effects of asbestos dust and now families are paying the price."