Father-of-Two Has Instructed Specialist Lawyers To Investigate His Asbestos Exposure

A former Process Operator at ExxonMobil Chemical Company is appealing to his former colleagues for help after being diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer, mesothelioma. 

James Pearson, 65 from Washington, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in September 2016 following tests at Sunderland Royal Hospital and Freeman Hospital. Mesothelioma is a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, caused by exposure to asbestos often decades before symptoms begin to show.

James has instructed industrial illness experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he was exposed to asbestos and whether more could have been done to protect him during his working life.

Together, James and his specialist asbestos disease lawyers believe he was exposed to asbestos when he was employed by ExxonMobil Chemical Company between 1984 and 2010, based at the company’s Fife Ethylene Plant.

It is believed by James’ legal team that he was exposed to the harmful asbestos dust and fibres as a result of the removal and replacement of asbestos CAF gaskets when employed by ExxonMobil. The CAF gaskets were made up of compressed asbestos dust and fibres and were used between joints on the pipework of the plant. 

As part of James’ role as a Process Operator at the plant he would have change the CAF gaskets. To remove the gaskets would require force, which would result in the compressed asbestos breaking down and crumbling, release asbestos dust and fibres into the atmosphere. 

James, who has been married to his wife Margaret, 64, for 43 years, said: “My diagnosis came as a complete shock to me and I was angry and frustrated to find out that it was likely caused by my exposure to asbestos during my working life. At no point during my early employment was I given any training or warned about the dangers of asbestos, or even provided with a mask.

“The disease has already had a significant impact on my day-to-day life and I am concerned about what the future holds for me and my family as my condition inevitably worsens. 

“I urge any of my former colleagues at ExxonMobil Chemical Company to contact my legal team at Irwin Mitchell if they feel they can provide any details that can help this investigation.”

James began to notice his symptoms around three months prior to his diagnosis. He began to suffer from breathlessness and chest pains. After seeking medical advice from his GP, James was referred to a respiratory specialist at Sunderland Royal Hospital. Further x-rays and tests showed that James was suffering from the asbestos-related condition of mesothelioma. 

Emma Crowther, a Solicitor and industrial disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell who is representing James, said: 

Expert Opinion

“We are working with James to find out how he was exposed to asbestos and to help secure him a fair settlement.

“We urge any of his former colleagues to come forward and help us with the investigation by providing any information about the working conditions he may have endured.

“Mesothelioma is incurable and its debilitating symptoms can only be treated temporarily. James and his family are now suffering terribly. But the dangers of asbestos have been known for decades and employers should be aware of the need to protect their employees from the harmful dust.” Emma Crowther - Senior Associate Solicitor

Anyone who worked with James and can provide any information is asked to contact Jennifer Fish at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0119 or email Jennifer.Fish@IrwinMitchell.com.