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Steven Dickens – Asbestos compensation solicitor
Senior asbestos compensation solicitor – Manchester
A graduate of Manchester University, Steven spent the early years of his career representing clients across the Greater Manchester area. His experience was particularly focused on winning compensation for victims of accidents at work or who had developed illness or disease because of their employer’s negligence. Many of these were high value accident cases (up to £250,000 and beyond)
In the last few years however, as a Manchester solicitor, Steven has worked solely for victims of asbestos-related illnesses, determined to obtain justice for injured people whose lives are devastated because of their negligent exposure to asbestos. Steven has developed in-depth knowledge of asbestos-related diseases, including diffuse pleural thickening, asbestosis, asbestos-related lung cancer and the fatal asbestos disease, mesothelioma.
Steven is passionate about advancing living mesothelioma cases quickly and obtaining a settlement for individuals wherever possible within their lifetime. This is critical in cases where he is acting for those with a terminal illness such as mesothelioma, because of the limited life expectancy associated with the disease. His experience also includes acting for mesothelioma victims in cases brought under Senior Master Whitaker’s fast track mesothelioma procedure in the Royal Courts of Justice.
Steven also believes strongly that it is important to provide early and realistic advice to clients about the possibility of their compensation claim being successful. If the claim proceeds, he presses for the maximum compensation. A detailed knowledge of issues relating to the value of cases such as these often helps in terms of speeding up the negotiation process, leading to early and advantageous settlements where appropriate.
Steven advises on all aspects of asbestos litigation, including cases where there may be issues in identifying defendants or their insurers. To this end, he has developed a keen understanding of the investigative processes to track these organisations down, as well as obtaining considerable information from our substantial database of previous organisations involved in asbestos-related compensation claims.
He has also advised many clients on other asbestos-related illness matters, including claims to be brought against the T&N scheme (for exposure at Turner & Newall). He will advise clients about the availability (or otherwise) of provisional damages settlements. He can also assist individuals who may have previously settled their case on a provisional damages basis and wish to seek further compensation following a worsening of their condition or development of an alternate asbestos related illness.
Steven is based in our Manchester office and his main goal is to obtain the maximum compensation to which his clients are rightly entitled, as quickly as possible. Whilst he has a reputation for being a strong negotiator, he will not hesitate to issue court proceedings if he feels this will assist him in securing a swift conclusion, or a fairer level of compensation for you or your family.
Steven is a member of
- The Law Society
- APIL (the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers)
Successful asbestos-related disease compensation claims
Asbestos-related compensation claim - Mesothelioma compensation
Steven’s client in this mesothelioma compensation claim had been negligently exposed to asbestos almost 60 years prior to the onset of his symptoms. His client had been negligently exposed to asbestos when he worked in areas where asbestos was pressed and ground. He was not supplied with a mask and was forced to inhale large quantities of asbestos dust.
Although his original employer was no longer operating, Steven was able to track down a successor company and submitted a claim for mesothelioma compensation. He was on the point of issuing court proceedings when the defendant’s insurers made an offer to settle. Steven felt this offer was a little low and succeeded in negotiating an increase to a more realistic level of almost £150,000, which his client decided to accept.
Steven had been able to secure this compensation within a very short time, and his client wanted to know that his family would be financially secure after he was gone. This early settlement meant Steven’s client was able to enjoy what was left of his time with his family without the worry of how they would manage in the future.
Asbestos compensation claim – Pleural thickening
Steven was able to secure almost £80,000 in asbestos-related compensation for this client, who had been negligently exposed to asbestos by a large chemical manufacturer. His exposure had occurred as he removed asbestos insulation from pipe work during routine maintenance at his place of work. He was never warned of the dangers to his future health and was not provided with any protection.
Only in his 60’s, Steven’s client began to demonstrate symptoms of the disease more than 20 years after his negligent exposure had taken place. His symptoms included severe breathlessness and he became virtually housebound. Normal activities like walking and gardening left him short of breath and he was forced to give up his job.
In this instance, Steven was able to negotiate the compensation without the need to issue court proceedings. Pleural thickening can be a severe and debilitating disease and the claim was vigorously defended. However, Steven obtained supportive evidence from numerous witnesses who had worked alongside his client.
Steven’s client also has an increased chance that he will go on to develop other asbestos related diseases like the fatal cancer, mesothelioma. Steven therefore made a provisional settlement that protects his client’s right to reopen his case and claim further compensation if at any time in the future he suffers serious deterioration due to another asbestos-related disease.
Mesothelioma compensation claim – Mesothelioma claims husband and wife
An asbestos cancer sufferer whose wife had died from the same asbestos-related disease, mesothelioma, has received compensation from his former employers.
Steven’s client was diagnosed with mesothelioma. There is no cure for mesothelioma, a type of cancer of the lining of the lung and/or stomach, which is caused by exposure to asbestos. It can often be decades after the asbestos exposure before the victim experiences symptoms, but sufferers often have just months to live following diagnosis.
Steven’s client knows only too well the devastating effects of mesothelioma – he nursed his wife through the disease until she died about a year before he himself received the devastating news that he too was suffering from mesothelioma. Having experienced his wife’s suffering, he was quick to seek medical help when he first developed symptoms. He was able to receive some treatment, which he hopes will delay the degenerative process.
His client’s wife was exposed to asbestos working in an office block, whilst he had been exposed as he worked on power stations in the late 60’s and early 70’s. Steven’s client and his wife had worked in completely different occupations, showing how indiscriminate and lethal asbestos is across all sectors of employment.
Steven was able to successfully conclude this claim for mesothelioma compensation during the lifetime of his client, and without the need to issue court proceedings. He secured almost £170,000 for his client whose life would be tragically cut short. His client was determined to make sure his family was provided for financially in the future.
Comments from grateful asbestos-related clients
Here are just a few examples of the thanks that Steven receives each year from grateful clients and their families.
"I was happy with the service I received … in particular from Mr Steven Dickens. He was always available if I had a query, and kept me well informed of any progress regarding my claim. "
Recipient of asbestos-related compensation after developing pleural thickening
"My family and I would like to express our very grateful thanks to Mr Steven Dickens for all his help, guidance, support and generally being of great assistance to us in our sad loss of a young husband and father. We appreciate the fact that he kept us informed of every movement that the case was making and, to its conclusion with a very good result. Without Mr Dickens aid, and insistence I do not think we would have got this result. Very very grateful thanks."
Widow of mesothelioma victim
"I am 100% satisfied with the way in which my husband's case was handled by yourselves, and also with the solicitor (Mr. Steven Dickens) who acted on our behalf. He was extremely helpful at all times and was very good at explaining things in a way which I could understand. He also took the time to visit me at home and helped greatly with compiling a statement in support of the claim.
I have received regular updates re: the progression of the case and any phone calls that I had to make were always returned promptly. I had no chasing to do at anytime, which certainly helped to lift the burden of pursuing a claim.
I would have no hesitation in recommending …not only for your professionalism, but also for your caring and courteous staff, which I believe is equally important when dealing with bereavement and other difficult situations. I can only thank you for all your assistance and for bringing the matter to a satisfactory conclusion."
Widow who received compensation when her husband died as the result of an asbestos-related disease
"I would like to thank unreservedly for the long hours devoted to this case. ... your resolute handling of affairs brought about a just settlement. Idont want this money for frivolous things, just to pay for medical expenses and special needs. now that factors are in place to ensure that this can be carried out. I can leave the administration to those who specialise in such matters. Sincere thanks to all involved."
Recipient of asbestos-related disease compensation after developing pleural thickening
"Everything was done very professional and to my convenience … all mu calls to your office, of not available were returned. The same day and time was taken to go through my enquiry. at any time did i find it hard to phone your office as my call was always accepted and delt with, i was always kept informed with correspondance and updated regularly. Even the settlement out of court meeting was arranged for me and my wifes consideration and time. Always delt with in a good manner and made all enquiries dealt with easy to understand. Thank you."
Pleural thickening victim for whom Steven obtained asbestos-related compensation
"The service was good and hassle free. We were kept informed of all the issues and received compensation. Thanks."
Son of mesothelioma victim, whose diagnosis was only confirmed by post mortem
"I am well pleased with my dealings with …Steve Dickens. From 1st brief to last letter has been so accurate and precise. I have already recommended … to all of my friends and ex work colleagues if ever they need good advice and guidance."
Recipient of asbestos-related compensation for pleural thickening
"I would like to mention that I was most grateful to Mr Steven Dickens and his colleagues in the very professional and truly compassionate way our matter was dealt with. It has been a very traumatic time for myself and my family and we are truly grateful in everything you did, both professionally and compassionately. I would not hesitate in recommending …."
Widow of mesothelioma victim, for whom Steven secured compensation
"WE have already written to express our gratitude in the way … handled my fathers case. We would reiterate that the service provided was excellent, We were kept fully informed and Mr Dickens especially was very courtous and professional.
The case was settled recently out of Court. which again was preferable as my father is quite frail and we both felt that this would be somehwat of an ordeal for him. We would certainly recommend … without hesitation."
Son of victim of exposure to asbestos who developed asbestosis
Making an asbestos-related compensation claim
Clear Answers' lawyers have won important decisions in the highest courts in the UK for asbestos victims and have a proven commitment to their rights.
You will receive 100% of the compensation awarded if you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Clear Answers to deal with the matter for you.
We will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your personal injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for yourself. Telephone us now on 0800 783 9019 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms, and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.
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