Specialist Industrial Disease Lawyers Issue Court Proceedings Against United Insulator Company

Expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at law firm Irwin Mitchell have issued court proceedings against United Insulator Company Limited in a bid to provide closure for a Chertsey widow after her husband died after developing mesothelioma, a terminal asbestos-related cancer.

Ronald Grant, known to his family and friends as Ron, died in November 2012 at the age of 74 after a three-month battle with the disease, which was caused by his exposure to asbestos decades ago.

Before his death, Ron, and his wife Anne, who met while working together at the firm, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how and where he was exposed to the deadly dust and fibres.

Ron from Ottershaw, Chertsey believed he came into contact with the substance while working for United Insulator from 1958 to 1963. While at the company, which was later known as Preformations Group Limited, Ronald worked in the ceramic factory, the textile manufacturing department and the powder preparation department.

He recalled the open plan factory being a very dusty environment and that asbestos products were regularly used in a number of departments, causing the material to be released into the working atmosphere.

Ron told his legal team at Irwin Mitchell that he was never warned of the dangers of asbestos exposure during his time at the company and that he was never provided with any protective equipment to reduce the likelihood of inhaling the deadly dust and fibres.

Anne, backed by her legal team, is now appealing for anyone who remembers working alongside Ron at United Insulator to come forward with information on the presence of asbestos at the factory.

Joanne Jefferies, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Anne, said:

Expert Opinion

“This is a tragic case in which a man lost his life due to inhaling asbestos dust and fibres during the course of his daily work many years ago. Understandably Anne is devastated by the loss of her husband of 51 years, particularly as they met at the company that may be responsible for his exposure to asbestos.

“Thankfully, Ron was able to provide us with some information about his working environment at United Insulator Company Limited and his exposure to asbestos, but we would still like to hear from any of his former colleagues who may be able to provide further details on their recollection of presence of asbestos at the factory.

“We have now issued court proceedings against the firm as we seek to bring Anne’s legal case to a close and ensure she gets the answers she deserves.” Joanne Jefferies - Partner

Anne, 77, said: “Ron and I were absolutely shocked when he was diagnosed with mesothelioma and it took us some time to come to terms with the information and what it meant for us. It was even harder to deal with the possibility that Ron’s condition was caused by exposure to asbestos at United Insulator, where we met.

“The diagnosis had a seemingly overnight impact on Ron’s health and it was extremely difficult for me to see him in so much pain and distress.

“I know nothing will bring Ron back but I hope by taking legal action I will get some justice in his name. I hope his former colleagues at United Insulator will come forward and help after hearing how inhaling asbestos all those years ago had such an impact on Ron and his health.”

Anyone with information on the presence of asbestos at United Insulator Company Limited or the safety precautions taken to protect workers should contact Joanne Jefferies on 0207 421 3936 or email Joanne.Jefferies@IrwinMitchell.com.

Our expert mesothelioma lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved on has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.