Loved Ones Call On Former Workmates To Help Battle For Justice

The family of a former marine fitter from South Shields who died from asbestos-related cancer are calling for his former workmates to come forward and help them gain justice regarding his exposure to the deadly material.

Harry Weir died in September 2016 aged 88 after being diagnosed in July 2016 with asbestos-related lung cancer caused by exposure to the harmful asbestos dust and fibres.

Prior to his death, Harry had instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he had developed the illness, where he was exposed to asbestos, and whether more should have been done to protect him from the harmful substance.

Now, as part of ongoing investigations on behalf of his loved ones, the legal experts are appealing for anyone who worked with Harry at either John Readhead and Sons from 1968 to 1981 or Tyne Ship Repair Group Ltd between 1981 and 1982 to come forward with information regarding the working conditions he would have faced at both sites.

Emma Crowther, a solicitor and specialist asbestos lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing Harry’s family, said: 

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“This case is sadly another reminder of the terrible impact that asbestos has had on so many lives, with the true consequences of exposure only being seen many years later when serious illnesses develop.

“While Harry has sadly lost his battle with the cancer, his family remain desperate for answers regarding where he was exposed to asbestos and whether anything more should have been done to prevent his exposure to asbestos.

“We believe he may well have come into contact with the material during his time at these employers and would be grateful to hear from anyone else who worked at the companies regarding the conditions Harry would have faced. Any information could prove absolutely vital in getting his family the justice they deserve.” Emma Crowther - Senior Associate Solicitor

Before he passed away, Harry had told Irwin Mitchell of his time working at both John Readhead and Sons and the Tyne Ship Repair Group Ltd, including how his role meant he was regularly exposed to dust and fibres.

Betty Weir, who was married to Harry for 63 years and had four children with him, said: “Harry had told the family on numerous occasions how he would tend to repairs and maintenance on ships. This meant he would often be inside engine rooms replacing a range of components including compressors and valves.

“He often talked about how asbestos tended to be present in lagging on pipework, with the work removing the material meaning that dust and fibres would be released into the air. As part of his job, he had to do this pretty much on a daily basis.

“While nothing can change what has happened to Harry, as a family we do feel a duty to discover whether more should have been done to protect him from harm and get answers regarding his illness.

“If anyone has information which might help that they could share with us, it would be gratefully received.”

Anyone with details regarding either John Readhead and Sons or the Tyne Ship Repair Group Ltd should contact Jennifer Fish at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office on 0191 279 0119 or e-mail Jennifer.Fish@IrwinMitchell.com.