Family’s Search For Ex-Workers After Plasterer Dies From Asbestos Related Illness

Asbestos related illness

20/10/2008

The widow and daughter of a Stoke on Trent man, who died after being exposed to asbestos, are appealing for his former work colleagues to come forward to help in their legal battle for compensation.

67-year-old Eric Handley died from lung disease in March 2008, leaving behind his wife, Margaret and daughter, Julie.

It is believed Mr Handley may have been exposed to asbestos dust whilst handling Artex during the course of his work as a plasterer.  Initially Mr Handley was employed by Stoke on Trent based C. Hanson Plasterers Limited during the 1950s and ‘60s, before working for E. O’Donnell Plasterers Limited between the 1960s and ‘80s. Both companies are no longer trading.   During the 1960s and 70s  it is known that Mr Handley worked on the construction of Holden Lane High School on Milton Road, Sneye Green in Stoke on Trent. Mr Handley recalled working next to a lagger who was insulating pipe-work at the school site.

Mr Handley’s widow, Margaret and daughter, Julie, have now launched a search for Eric’s former work colleagues who may be able to help the family prove that his illness was due to asbestos exposure at work.

Geraldine Coombs, from national law firm Irwin Mitchell, is representing Margaret and Julie in their family’s claim for compensation.

She said: "Margaret nursed her husband through his illness, giving him all the support she could. She has been devastated by his death. She is distressed that the lung disease Eric suffered, which was caused by asbestos, could have been prevented and is appealing to anyone who worked with Eric or for the same companies with information about how he came into contact with asbestos to come forward."

She added: "We are also keen to hear from anyone who has information regarding the identity of C. Hanson’s insurers."