Family Seek Answers Over Cheshire Man's Death

The family of a Cheshire man who died from asbestos-related cancer are appealing for help from his former workmates at a Glasgow shipyard in an effort to secure justice over his death.

William Henry Percival of Warrington was 79 when he passed away in July last year from mesothelioma, a form of lung cancer caused by exposure to deadly asbestos fibres.

His family have concerns that the illness he developed was as a result of coming into contact with the material while working as a labourer at the Babcock & Wilcox shipyard in Glasgow during the 1960s.

They have approached asbestos claims specialists at Irwin Mitchell for help with their enquiries as they consider the possibility of beginning a fight for justice over his death.

June Pearce, the daughter of Mr Percival, said: “Seeing Dad struggle with the illness was horrendous for all of his family and we are desperate to know where he was exposed to asbestos and why it was allowed to happen.

“I hope that others who worked at the site close to the River Clyde will be able to provide more information about his role at the shipyard and also offer some ideas as to whether they’ve had any medical problems as a result of being employed there.

“Everyone misses him so much and we all just want answers.”

Katrina London, a solicitor who specialises in asbestos claims at Irwin Mitchell in Manchester, is representing Mrs Pearce.

She commented: “William was exposed to asbestos through no fault of his own and suffered a terrible, debilitating disease which was ultimately responsible for his death.

“We are appealing for help from anyone who may have worked at Babcock & Wilcox between 1961 and 1970, but especially those who may have known or worked with Mr Percival over that period.

“It is a terrible truth that more than 2,000 people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. The cancer is almost always caused by asbestos exposure and does not respond well to treatment, so options are sadly limited.

“Employers have a duty to take precautions with asbestos, providing workers with the necessary equipment and training, but we deal with a huge number of cases where businesses fail to meet their responsibilities.

“We are hopeful that this appeal will helps us gain vital information which will help June and her family get the answers they need to continue their battle for justice.”

Anyone who can help with any information is asked to contact Katrina London at Irwin Mitchell LLP on 0161 838 7262 or email Katrina.london@irwinmitchell.com.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.