Family's Search For Ex-Workers After Husband Dies From Asbestos Related Cancer

Asbestos Related Cancer

24/04/2008

The family of a Bartley Green man who died after being exposed to asbestos is appealing for ex-colleagues who worked alongside him to come forward and help in their legal battle for compensation.

86-year-old Stanley Burford died in February 2006 from mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos related disease.

Mr Burford is thought to have been exposed to asbestos dust while working for Metro Cammell in Saltley, Birmingham between 1950 and 1960. Mr Burford worked inside train carriages at the site where it is believed that the interiors were sprayed with asbestos which at the time was used as an insulating material.

Mr Burford's son, Anthony, from Stourbridge, said: "My Dad was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2005, just six months before he died. He suffered terribly during his last months from this horrible illness and he has left behind a family who miss him very much."

An inquest into Mr Burford's death, held at Birmingham Coroner's Court in June 2006, returned a verdict that he died as a result of an industrial disease.

Iain Shoolbred from the Birmingham office of law firm, Irwin Mitchell, has now taken up the claim for compensation on behalf of Mr Burford. He explained: "It is vital, in order for Stanley's family to obtain some recompense from the debilitating illness from which he died that people who have information concerning the working practices and contracts undertaken at Metro Cammell in the 1950s and 1960s come forward to help us with our enquiries.

"We do know that at the time Stanley worked at Metro Cammell in Saltley, he drove a very distinctive Ford V8 Pilot car in two-tone green and this may jog the memories of ex-work colleagues who may recall working alongside him."

Anyone with information which may be helpful should contact Iain Shoolbred at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0870 1500 100 or iain.shoolbred@irwinmitchell.com.