A FORMER shipyard worker has won substantial compensation for an asbestos-related disease after initially being told he did not have a claim.

Joseph Cassidy, of South Shields, South Tyneside, was originally told by a claims handling firm that there was no evidence in his medical records to prove he had any such disease and was told his condition was more likely related to coal mining.

Following advice from his union, the GMB, he contacted Thompsons Solicitors, in Newcastle, which carried out investigations and instructed a medical expert to examine him.

The medical expert confirmed that Mr Cassidy had developed pleural plaques and pleural thickening of the lungs, caused by exposure to asbestos.

Mr Cassidy, who worked in shipyards in Tyne and Wear, eventually received a full and final award from his former employers in settlement of his claim.

Tom Brennan, GMB Northern region secretary, said potential claimants could receive a free legal service from the union rather than turning to what he called "claims chasers" offering to take on cases on a no-win, no-fee basis.

Ian McFall, head of Thompsons national asbestos team, said: "Mr Cassidy's case highlights the difference between trade union legal services, which are prepared to investigate and pursue difficult cases, and the inferior quality of some claims firms who are only interested in straightforward cases."