A MALDON tradesman has been awarded a six-figure compensation sum after contracting mesothelioma from asbestos exposure.

David Lawrence, 79, was exposed to deadly asbestos fibres while working for builders’ merchants, John Sadd & Sons Limited for 12 to 18 months from 1961.

The company has been defunct for many years but compensation was still able to be recovered.

The mesothelioma diagnosis caused David to suffer significant health repercussions, meaning his life will be cut short.

Before the diagnosis, David was active, loved painting by numbers, played on his Xbox and regularly visited family members.

However, due to his now ill health, he now struggles to even leave his home.

Whilst at John Sadd & Sons, David worked in the cutting area, an area used to prepare asbestos sheeting which had been ordered by builders.

He was employed to cut the sheeting into strips, which was typically fitted under guttering on the outside of new houses the builders built in the 1960s.

While carrying out this task, David was not given any protective equipment from his employers to prevent him from inhaling deadly asbestos dust.

David was represented by Hodge Jones & Allen and the case was settled within four months.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: David Lawrence at the time at which he worked for John Sadd & SonsDavid Lawrence at the time at which he worked for John Sadd & Sons (Image: N/A)

On his successful claim, he said: “I am very grateful for the compensation I have received.

“It is unfair people who worked hard like me were put in such danger.

“I urge anyone who has worked in an environment like mine, to get checked and to seek both medical and legal help – even if the company is out of business.

“It is wrong our former employers knowingly put us all in danger and so we must stand up for what’s right and ensure that those who need it, get the support and the compensation they deserve.”

Lorna Webster, partner and asbestos disease specialist at Hodge Jones & Allen, added: “While the compensation is welcomed, the damage has already been done to David’s health and no amount of compensation will give him back his previously good health.

“David’s life has been cut short and a retirement he worked so hard for has been robbed from him by his former employers.

“We must ensure the world understands what people like David are being put through and ensure justice is achieved for everyone who is affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases.”