Former Colleagues of Frank Hall Called Upon To Shed Light On How He Was Exposed To Deadly Dust

The widow of a carpenter who died just months after being diagnosed to asbestos-related cancer has demanded to know why her husband wasn’t better protected from the deadly dust.

Sylvia Hall, 72, from Coventry lost husband Frank on February 7 this year, just four months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer on the lining of the lungs caused by inhaling asbestos dust.

Frank, who was 75 when he died, worked as a carpenter, first for Danny Lynch Builders at Stoney Stanton Road, then for Coventry City Council and Courtaulds Engineering at Foleshill.

Sylvia instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the safety measures in place at each company to see how Frank came into contact with asbestos.

Now Sylvia is calling on former colleagues of Frank’s to come forward to help with the investigation.

She said: “Frank’s death has left a huge void in our lives. He will be missed dearly by all those who knew him.

“His illness took him very quickly and he suffered a great deal of pain and anguish. Despite his condition, Frank battled bravely and with great courage until the very end.

“Now I just want to know how Frank was able to get mesothelioma. Why wasn’t he better protected?

“Nothing can turn back the clock of course, but it is important for my family and I to have these answers and to hold these organisations to account if they did not uphold their responsibilities to their workforce.”

Frank worked as a carpenter and joiner for Danny Lynch Builders from 1961 to 1966/67, working with asbestos roofs. He then went on to work Coventry City Council from 1966/67 until 1968/69 where he was a carpenter and general maintenance worker, repairing council property.

Between 1969 and 1971, Frank worked for Courtaulds Engineering, carrying out fabrication work.

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related disease for which there is sadly no cure.

“Companies have been well aware of the risks associated with exposing staff to asbestos since before the 1950s so there is no excuse for workers not to have been properly protected.

“Any former employees who worked at Danny Lynch Builders, Coventry City Council or Courtaulds Engineering throughout the 1960s and early 1970s should get in touch as any information, no matter how small, could help us with our investigation and give Frank’s family the answers they deserve.” Hayley Hill - Senior Associate Solicitor

Anyone able to help in this matter can contact Hayley Hill at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 214 5407 or by email at hayley.hill@irwinmitchell.com.

Our expert asbestos solicitors will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to contracting mesothelioma. See our Mesothelioma Claims page for more information.