Asbestos cancer compensation

A County Durham woman whose life has been blighted by asbestos related cancer is appealing to former colleagues for help.

Margaret Colman (formerly known as Margaret Hubble and then Margaret Proctor), 68 of Chester-le-Street, County Durham was diagnosed with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma in June 2006. She is now searching for witnesses to support her claim for compensation against her former employer, Birtley Iron Co Limited.

Margaret worked in the offices of the Birtley Iron Company (which later became the Caterpillar Tractor Company) between July 1953 and December 1962. She would regularly have to go into the factory to take invoices to relevant departments on the factory floor. It is believed that overhead pipes running to and from machinery were insulated with asbestos lagging and that she would have been exposed to asbestos dust during repairs.

Margaret was not provided with any form of protective clothing or mask to prevent her breathing in the asbestos fibres when she went onto the factory floor.

Neil Wilkinson, partner at the Newcastle offices of Irwin Mitchell, the UK's leading Personal Injury legal practice, is representing Margaret and is urging anyone who may be able to assist to come forward.

He said: Mesothelioma is a devastating illness and it is vital that we get further information from fellow workers at the Birtley Iron Company to enable us to seek justice for Margaret and her family. Wed also like to hear from anyone who worked at the Birtley premises at the time of Mrs Colmans employment even if they did not know Mrs Colman.

Anyone able to help should contact Mr Wilkinson at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0100.

If you or someone you know has been effected by asbestos-related cancer, our experts can help. Fill in our online claims form for free legal advice.

Alternatively, you can visit our asbestos compensation claims section for more information.