Mr Litherland was a trained blacksmith and worked for Sheffield County Council all his working life but began to suffer from breathlessness in 2005. The council introduced the metalworking fluids in 2000 but from 2004 his job required him to use the fluids more often. At first his doctor said he was suffering from a chest infection and later in July 2007 he was diagnosed with occupational asthma caused by the metalworking fluids.  Mr Litherland’s said: “I never had any problems with my breathing before but when I started working with the metalworking fluids more I began to suffer from a cough. I thought it was just my age but my condition got progressively worse. I find it difficult to climb stairs and walk. I had to give up hobbies of playing golf". Following his diagnosis, he contacted his trade union, the GMB, for advice and instructed its lawyers Thompsons Solicitors to pursue a claim for compensation. Whilst Sheffield County Council admitted they were to blame, their initial offer to settle the claim was just £16,000, even though Mr Litherland’s health had been compromised for life. Thompsons advised fighting the case in court and he was ultimately awarded £104,000 by a judge.  Settlement negotiations are not normally made public in the United States.