Sunderland Suffers Mesothelioma Black Spot Status

According to news reports, Sunderland is the UK’s number one area for high mesothelioma mortality rates.

The statistics appear in the local paper, the Sunderland Echo, where it is revealed that mesothelioma death rates are double that of the national UK average.

People from Sunderland and in particular, the Washington area, are desperately in need of compensation as the deaths have left families of victims in a financially vulnerable position.

Government’s Mesothelioma Compensation Bill

The Government has recently acknowledged the difficulties experienced by victims who are trying to get compensation by introducing the Mesothelioma Bill. The legislation aims to help compensate victims who cannot trace former companies.

However, the families from Sunderland believe that more needs to be done in light of the alarming figures. Between 2008 and 2012 there were 105 mesothelioma-related deaths around Sunderland.

Former Worker Says More Mesothelioma Cases Will Arise

A former Shipyard Worker from Washington, John Birkett believes that because of the ability of the illness to lay dormant in the body for so many years, there will be many more mesothelioma cases that will come to the fore.

Mr. Birkett worked as an apprentice from the age of 15 and was exposed to asbestos. He received a diagnosis nearly two years ago and is currently having treatment for his condition. He says: “This is a condition which lies dormant in the body for years for me it was 45 years. So we will hear about more and more people contracting it.”

His former colleague, David Craig, died of the illness only 6 months after his diagnosis. His wife, Anne was left devastated by her husband’s untimely passing. She said when her husband died there was no support for people like her. Since his death, she has set up a self-help group for Mesothelioma victims in Washington.

Mrs. Craig added: “There is a lot of work being done now to support those most in need but there is still a long way to go.

Claiming Compensation For Mesothelioma

If you or a family member has suffered or is suffering from mesothelioma as a result of asbestos exposure in the workplace then it is possible you could have a compensation claim.

Please call our team on 0333 358 3034 for more information.

Published 13th February 2015.