In the 1950s, 60s and 70s, fuelled by successful automotive and manufacturing industries, the British steel industry was booming. And nowhere was it stronger than in Scotland, whether it was in Glasgow, Dundee or Clyde, there were many Scottish workplaces and cities that were reliant on steel for both economy and infrastructure - with Motherwell becoming the steel production capital of Scotland.
Although these steelworks thrived and played an important role in the prosperity of many communities it is also true that they often exposed workers to asbestos – a fact which has led to a tragic legacy today. Indeed, asbestos is now the cause of more than one percent of all cancers in Scotland.
If you are one of the thousands of people in Scotland who have been affected by an asbestos-related illness such as mesothelioma, asbestosis or pleural plaques contact Thompsons Solicitors today for information and advice regarding your possible right to compensation.
Simply call 0800 0891 331 to speak with a personal injury solicitor.
The Ravenscraig Steelworks
In many ways the Ravenscraig steelworks in Motherwell, Lanarkshire was the capital of "Steelopolis", the steel production capital of Scotland.
Owned by Colville, but bought by British Steel Corporation in 1967 as part of the nationalisation of British steel under the Iron and Steel Act of 1967, Ravenscraig was at the heart of Scottish industry and was a huge sprawling coal-fuelled plant.
Ravenscraig was one of the world's most important steelworks and produced more hot-strip steel than any other plant in Europe. It also produced slab steel for the Scottish shipbuilding and oil industries.
Despites its illustrious and prosperous past, Ravenscraig has left a difficult and sometimes tragic legacy. It is now the largest brownfield site in all of Europe and has, like other similar plants such as East Moors in Cardiff, Wales, increasingly become linked with the mesothelioma deaths of many former workers.
Claims for Asbestos-related Illness
If you have an asbestos-related illness, you may be able to claim compensation providing your diagnosis was made in the past three years. It is also possible to claim if you are a close family member or a dependent of someone who has passed away.
Thompsons Solicitors can help secure settlement even in instances where the former employer has gone out of business and it is necessary to trace the relevant liability insurer. We are the outstanding firm of our kind in Scotland and have vast databases of information, including details of insurers, witnesses and company practices to assist your claim.
The right to compensation for mesothelioma and other asbestos cancers is well established; for example, it is true that many workers used to have ‘snowball' fights with the substance – employers knew of this, as well as the risk it presented: there is a clear case for compensation.
So, whether the claim relates to a period of employment as a boiler attendant, furnace worker, repairman or other steelworker, Thompsons' personal injury solicitors can help you achieve the fullest possible amount of compensation.
There are over 4,700 asbestos deaths in the UK each year, with the total number set to outstrip 60,000 by 2060. Although an asbestos claim cannot turn back the clock, it can at least achieve some justice, recognition and practical help in the fallout. Call 0800 0891 331 to speak with Thompsons Solicitors today.
