Fatal Asbestos-Related Cancer

Asbestos Widow Searchs For Husband's Former Workmates

The widow of a Leeds man, who died after being exposed to asbestos, is appealing to his ex-workmates to come forward to aid her legal battle for justice.

Mr David Carroll, 67, formerly of Stanningley, Leeds, passed away on 24 June 2007, eight months after developing pleural mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos-related cancer.

His widow Anita Carroll has now instructed industrial disease expert Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell to pursue a civil claim against his former Rodley-based employers.

Mr Carroll is believed to have inhaled significant levels of asbestos dust whilst working as a welder for Samuel Butlers, Albion Works, Stanningley from 1953 to 1960 and as a crane driver and welder for 'Clyde Crane and Booth Limited' and 'Clark Chapman John Thompson Limited' – the Leeds branch of the national crane manufacturer – from 1970 to 1972 and 1977 to 1978.

In 1978 he went on to set up his own business in Pudsey which specialised in the manufacture of pre-cask concrete garages and enjoyed a successful career until he retired at 60 years.

An inquest into Mr Carroll's death on 13 August 2008 at Leeds Coroner's Court recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.

Mr Carroll's widow, Anita, said: "David was a strong, fit and healthy man who was making the most of his retirement until he became gripped by this deadly disease.

"It's a dreadful illness which creeps up without warning and kills in a just a few months. We feel completely robbed of David, he should have never have died so young."

Ian Toft, from the Leeds office of law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: "The inquest into David's death has confirmed that he died as a direct result of being exposed to asbestos fibres. During his time at Samuel Butlers, 'Clyde Crane and Booth Limited' and 'Clark Chapman John Thompson Limited' he worked directly with the deadly material.

"At the moment we have very limited information about the firms and their insurers, although we do know a close colleague was called Edward Toomes.

"It's vital to our enquiries that we track down David's former colleagues or hear from people that may have dealt with the companies during in the 1950's, 60's and 70's."

Anyone who remembers Mr Carroll and may be able to help in this matter is asked to contact Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell solicitors on 0113 218 6453 or ian.toft@irwinmitchell.com.