12.07.2012
A former hotel manager coming to terms with the dreadful news he has been diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma has received a six-figure settlement from his former employer’s insurers to help provide much needed financial security for his family.
Colin Hostein, of Darlington, spent most of his career in the hotel industry working around the country in old buildings and dusty boiler rooms, which often contained dangerous asbestos lagging.
The 62-year-old was diagnosed with terminal lung disease mesothelioma in December 2009, nine months after he first started to experience symptoms of the illness, such as breathlessness and chest pains.
Asbestos related disease experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell have now secured a £220,000 settlement on his behalf from his former employer, IND Coope Hotels, which owned hotels in Stockton, Wigan, Leeds, Birkenhead and Newcastle where he worked in various managerial positions between 1967 and 1985.
Colin told lawyers that his exposure to asbestos occurred whist working in the dusty cellars and boiler rooms at the five hotels.
Colin, who has endured four courses of chemotherapy at Darlington Memorial Hospital, said: “I am so grateful to Irwin Mitchell for helping to secure this settlement which, as well as providing some care as I learn to live with my illness, will provide my family with some financial security. It is at least some peace of mind to know they will be provided for when I’m gone.
“I also hope my case highlights the devastating impact asbestos can have on people’s lives. We were never warned of the dangers that the dust could pose despite most businesses being aware of the risks involved.”
Colin, who has one son and one grandson, has been married to wife Valerie for 40 years.
He was forced to retire in November 2009 from his last job as a driver for Strathstone Jaguar of Stockton. He now has fluid gathering in his lungs and feels constantly short of breath.
Roger Maddocks added: “Asbestos is the biggest occupational killer of all time. So many people have suffered serious and terminal health problems due to the failure of employers to adequately acknowledge the dangers of working with the material.
“Thankfully in Colin’s case we have secured a vital settlement which helps provide him with the comfort of knowing that his family will be provided for in future. Through no fault of his own he was exposed to the dangers of asbestos but he has now received some justice for the negligence he suffered from 30 to 40 years ago.”
Pensioner Forced To Retire After Suffering Asbestos Related Illness
A former hotel manager coming to terms with the dreadful news he has been diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma has received a six-figure settlement from his former employer’s insurers to help provide much needed financial security for his family.
Colin Hostein, of Darlington, spent most of his career in the hotel industry working around the country in old buildings and dusty boiler rooms, which often contained dangerous asbestos lagging.
The 62-year-old was diagnosed with terminal lung disease mesothelioma in December 2009, nine months after he first started to experience symptoms of the illness, such as breathlessness and chest pains.
Asbestos related disease experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell have now secured a £220,000 settlement on his behalf from his former employer, IND Coope Hotels, which owned hotels in Stockton, Wigan, Leeds, Birkenhead and Newcastle where he worked in various managerial positions between 1967 and 1985.
Colin told lawyers that his exposure to asbestos occurred whist working in the dusty cellars and boiler rooms at the five hotels.
Colin, who has endured four courses of chemotherapy at Darlington Memorial Hospital, said: “I am so grateful to Irwin Mitchell for helping to secure this settlement which, as well as providing some care as I learn to live with my illness, will provide my family with some financial security. It is at least some peace of mind to know they will be provided for when I’m gone.
“I also hope my case highlights the devastating impact asbestos can have on people’s lives. We were never warned of the dangers that the dust could pose despite most businesses being aware of the risks involved.”
Colin, who has one son and one grandson, has been married to wife Valerie for 40 years.
He was forced to retire in November 2009 from his last job as a driver for Strathstone Jaguar of Stockton. He now has fluid gathering in his lungs and feels constantly short of breath.
Roger Maddocks added: “Asbestos is the biggest occupational killer of all time. So many people have suffered serious and terminal health problems due to the failure of employers to adequately acknowledge the dangers of working with the material.
“Thankfully in Colin’s case we have secured a vital settlement which helps provide him with the comfort of knowing that his family will be provided for in future. Through no fault of his own he was exposed to the dangers of asbestos but he has now received some justice for the negligence he suffered from 30 to 40 years ago.”
If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.
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