Family of Barrow Mesothelioma Victim takes Legal Action
Mesothelioma legal action
The family of a Barrow-in-Furness man who died after being exposed to asbestos at work is pursuing legal action against his former employers.
Leonard Holmes died from the asbestos-related condition Mesothelioma in November 2006. His widow, Evelyn Holmes, is pursuing a claim against his former employers British Railways Board and Vickers-Armstrongs Limited (now BAE Systems).
Mr Holmes worked for the British Railways Board between 1947 and 1949 as a cleaner and was engaged in cleaning locomotives in its depot in Barrow-in-Furness. The pipework and firebox which Mr Holmes had to clean were lagged with asbestos insulation, which, when disturbed, created the asbestos dust to which he was exposed.
Mr Holmes returned to British Railways in 1951 after two years in the Army and worked his way up to become a driver, where he remained until 1975. Throughout this time Mr Holmes worked in the vicinity of substantial quantities of asbestos which was constantly disturbed and released a large amount of dust to which he was exposed.
From 1975 to 1993 Mr Holmes was employed as a labourer by Vickers-Armstrongs in their shipyard in Barrow-in-Furness. During this time he worked mainly with plumbers on pipework throughout ships. There was asbestos lagging on pipes and old lagging that had fallen to the floor which created asbestos dust when disturbed to which Mr Holmes was exposed.
Mr Holmes was not given any warning of the danger of working with asbestos which was known to be a highly dangerous and hazardous substance when disturbed because of the fibres that it releases.
He was never provided with any protective mask or other suitable preventative equipment, was exposed to and inhaled substantial quantities of asbestos dust and developed Mesothelioma as a result.
Lucy Proctor, a solicitor at the Newcastle office of Irwin Mitchell, the UK’s leading Personal Injury solicitors is representing Mrs Holmes.
She said: “Mesothelioma is a devastating form of cancer which affects the lining of the lung. It is typically associated with occupational exposure to asbestos dust in industry and affects over 1,800 people per year in the UK alone. Mr Holmes was exposed to asbestos even though it was known that it could cause injury and we are seeking justice for his family.
“Mr Holmes suffered substantial exposure to asbestos dust but Mesothelioma can develop as a result of slight exposure and it is not always associated with industry. It is important that anyone diagnosed with an asbestos related condition who may have been exposed through their work seek legal advice.”