Asbestos victim sues steelworks

Mr Hicks was diagnosed with the dieases two years ago

A man has started legal action against a South Yorkshire steelworks after he was diagnosed with asbestosis.

Kenneth Hicks, from Rotherham, is suing Corus because he claims he swept up asbestos dust at the steelworks.

Three consultants have agreed Mr Hicks, 77, has contracted asbestosis and pleural thickening, which thickens the lung lining and makes breathing hard.

Corus said it would not comment during legal proceedings. Mr Hicks' lawyers say he may be awarded up to £100,000.

'Difficulty breathing'

Mr Hicks retired in 1986 after working at Parkgate and Aldwarke Steelworks for 33 years.

During this time the married father-of-one said he was made to wear asbestos gloves and an apron even though the link between lung disease and asbestos was already established.

The steelworks Mr Hicks worked at was owned by British Steel, which is now Corus.

His solicitor Simon Allen said his client could receive compensation of between £28,000 and £60,000 for the asbestosis claim and between £20,000 to £40,000 for pleural thickening.

The solicitor, whose law firm Russell, Jones and Walker has represented many former steelworkers, said: "Kenneth was always very active, a keen gardener, now he has difficulty breathing properly.

"It makes if hard to walk a short distance.

"The illnesses have restricted his life, the medical evidence is all there."

The compensation claim is being backed by the steelworkers trade union.

Corus has 21 days to provide defence for the case or offer a settlement to Mr Hicks before a trial date is set in Sheffield courts.

Corus, which is Europe's second largest steel producer, has sites across the UK including Rotherham and Scunthorpe.