Asbestosis
A leading northern lawyer is searching for the former colleagues of a retired Cumbrian joiner who has been has been diagnosed with the chronic respiratory condition asbestosis.
William Henry Mathison, (76) from Penrith, was diagnosed with asbestosis – the occupational lung disease which heavily increases the risk of lung cancer and mesothelioma – after first suffering a loss of breath in October 2008.
Mr Mathison said he would regularly be covered from head to foot in asbestos dust whilst working for East Yorkshire-based firm E Sutton – where he was employed as an apprentice joiner between 1947 and 1954 and as a qualified joiner from 1961 to 1973.
Following his diagnosis in December 2008 Mr Mathison has instructed industrial law specialists at Irwin Mitchell to investigate a compensation claim against his former employer.
Isobel Lovett, associate solicitor and industrial illness specialist at Irwin Mitchell, said: “As there are no insurance details available from E Sutton we are extremely keen to trace any witnesses who could help strengthen Mr Mathison’s case – no matter whether they knew Mr Mathison or simply worked at the firm during the same periods. We are also eager to hear from any previous employees who may have also pursued claims against the company.”
Mr Mathison, who lived at Westgate, Nafferton at the time he worked for E Sutton, said: “During my employment at E Sutton I would spend around 60 to 70 per cent of my time working with asbestos and I was never given any form of protection to prevent me from inhaling the asbestos dust and fibres, not even a mask.
“I was obviously devastated to learn I had developed such an awful illness as a result of this, but then to find out that there are no records of the company’s insurance company, I was distraught. I just hope as many people as possible come forward to help.”
Anyone who has any information should contact Isobel Lovett at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0100.
If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our asbestos solicitors can help you to claim compensation. Read our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.