FreeClaim IDC Did So Much To Help Me
David McCoy
David McCoy began his career in the shipyards as an electrician in 1962. FreeClaim IDC successfully funded his case for compensation, after he sought the help of FreeClaim IDC.
Talking to FreeClaim IDC he told of a working environment in which operating in a cloud of asbestos dust was an everyday occurrence. Explained David,
"If you had to fit units or install cables you were cutting into asbestos and were breathing it in all the time. There was no suggestion before the mid 70's that asbestos or asbestos dust posed any danger to the health of anyone working with it."
Whilst de-laggers stripped out the material, tradesmen such as David routinely worked alongside them, both workers breathing in what is now recognised as highly toxic material. Gradually information about the hazards of asbestos became available and steps were taken to ensure that other trades did not work alongside de-laggers and that those handling the material wore protective gear such as masks. However for workers such as David McCoy who spent some 15 plus years exposed to asbestos dust such steps, whilst welcome, were too late to reverse the damage inflicted on their health.
"Maybe they knew about the dangers, but we were never told."
David continued to work in the shipyards until being made redundant in 1988. David attended a FreeClaim IDC session after being diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition. FreeClaim IDC's independant panel solicitors and welfare rights workers took up his case. Said David,
"They kept me informed all the way, FreeClaim IDC helped me so much."
Mr McCoy hopes that his experience can be of help to others in a similar position and help them win any compensation they might be entitled to obtain. He said:.
"If my story can help someone else, then I am very happy to have it told."
