Asbestos Lawyers Appeal To His Former Colleagues For Information About Deadly Dust

A father-of-two who has been given the devastating news that he is suffering an incurable asbestos-related disease has launched a legal battle for justice and is appealing to his former colleagues to get in touch with information.

Former electrical engineer Alan Delaney was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer in the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos dust in May this year, which leaves him reliant on his wife Maureen to care for him.

The 72-year-old has now instructed specialist asbestos lawyers at Irwin Mitchell and is backing the firm’s calls for any of his former colleagues to get in touch with information about the presence of asbestos and working conditions when he worked at Enfield Standard Power Cables.

Alan, who lives in Hoddesdon, Herts worked for the company as an electrical engineer from 1957 to 1965 and believes he was exposed to asbestos when he worked with electrical cables in roofs and passageways which housed pipes lagged with crumbling asbestos.

Expert Opinion

Allan has understandably been left devastated by his diagnosis and is keen for his former colleagues at Enfield Standard Power Cables to get in touch as any information, no matter how small, could prove vital in helping to successfully conclude his case.

“Because of his illness, Alan is dependent on his wife for care and whilst she is very dedicated, the situation is not sustainable. We are working to settle this case and ultimately gain the necessary funds for Allan’s ongoing care and treatment so he can spend his remaining days focusing on quality time with his wife and family.

“Mesothelioma is an industrial illness for which there is sadly no cure. Employers have been aware of the risks of exposing their staff to asbestos since the 1950s and 60s so there is no excuse for workers like Alan to have not been warned of the dangers or provided with the appropriate protective equipment.” Natalia Rushworth-White - Associate Solicitor

Alan began suffering from chest pains and breathlessness at the beginning of 2013 and, after a series of tests and biopsies, results revealed he had the terminal asbestos cancer mesothelioma.

Alan is suffering from breathlessness, tiredness and chest pains as a result of his condition. Alan has undergone radiotherapy treatment and may have chemotherapy as his condition worsens.  He previously enjoyed holidays with his family, regular bike rides and walks along the canal, but is no longer able to take part in these activities.   

Alan said: “During my time at Enfield Standard Power Cables I had to repair faults and perform routine maintenance on the electrics which powered the manufacturing process. 

“After my diagnosis, I remembered that the electric cabling was housed within roof spaces and passageways which also contained pipes which were lagged with asbestos for insulation purposes. The asbestos was often in a decrepit and crumbling condition and as I was provided with no protective clothing or equipment I couldn’t help but inhale it.

“My wife and I were absolutely devastated when I was given the diagnosis of mesothelioma and we also find it hard not to be angry that I have a terminal illness because of something I had no control over in one of my former work places.

“We just hope that any of my former colleagues who worked at the company between 1957 and 1965 get in touch as their information could prove invaluable in helping us secure justice before it’s too late.”

Anyone who thinks they can help is asked to contact Natalia Rushworth at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email Natalia.rushworthwhite@irwinmitchell.com

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise relating to mesothelioma claims