Family Call On Lawyers For Help Regarding Former Labourer’s Death

The widow of a former labourer from West Sussex who died from asbestos-related disease last summer is appealing for anyone who may have worked with him from the late 1960s to early 1980s to come forward, as specialist lawyers work to help her gain justice regarding his death.

William Shepherd, known commonly as Bill, passed away aged 67 on August 26th 2014 from the asbestos related disease of mesothelioma just three months after being diagnosed with this condition.  At the time of his death he had been married to Wendy for 42 years.

His widow Wendy has now instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help in the legal battle regarding her husband’s death and is asking for any former colleagues to contact them with vital information regarding his time working in the construction industry.

Bill, initially from Loxwood, started working for Hoad & Taylor (Builders) Ltd in West Sussex as a driver in 1966 until 1974.  He later moved to Broadbridge Heath where he lived until his death.  From 1974 to 1981 he worked for Lovells, a building company in West Sussex.  Prior to his death, Bill specifically recalled unloading corrugated asbestos sheets to sites, clearing up debris following a fire at Farlington School in West Sussex and undertaking demolition work at Ockley Brickworks.

Helen England, the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who represents Mrs Shepherd, said: “This is another terrible case in which a former construction worker has gone on to develop mesothelioma in later life, often as a result of exposure to asbestos during work undertaken decades earlier.

“We would urge anyone who worked with Bill during the late 1960s to early 1980s to come forward with any information they have about working conditions and those two specific projects in particular.

“Any detail will be important in helping us to provide vital answers to his family and also determining what measures were in place to protect employees at this time.”

Wendy Shepherd, 64, said: “The whole family is still trying to come to terms with Bill’s death and we miss him so much.

“It was so incredibly hard to see him go through what he faced in his final few months and now we just want to know more about how he came to suffer this terrible illness.

“I would urge anyone who might have any information to come forward, as we simply want to understand how he was exposed to asbestos and also to ensure that we gain justice regarding his death.”

Anyone with information about working conditions at any of the firm that Bill was working for should contact Helen England at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 3896 or e-mail helen.england@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.