Leigh Man Joins With Lawyers In Search For Answers Regarding Illness

A former electrician from Lancashire diagnosed with asbestos-related disease earlier this year has joined with specialist lawyers to appeal for his old colleagues to come forward and help him gain answers regarding his illness.

Colin Gasson, 66, from Leigh, was diagnosed with asbestosis, a serious long-term lung condition caused by exposure to asbestos materials, in July 2017.

Following the diagnosis, he instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how he came into contact with the material and help him discover whether his illness could have been prevented.

Now, as part of their work, the legal experts are keen to hear from anyone who worked with Colin during his time as an apprentice electrician at the London-based company R V Griffiths (Electrical) Ltd between 1966 and 1971, with the team believing that this may have been when the exposure took place.

Dominic Hemsi, the legal expert at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office who is representing Colin, said: 

Looking back on this time at R V Griffiths (Electrical) Ltd, Colin recalled doing a range of work throughout both the London area and the east coast.

He said: “I was employed on a range of projects for installation, repair and maintenance work in buildings from office blocks to schools and factories. In terms of specific jobs, I remember installing fire alarms at the old Canadian Embassy in Grosvenor Square in London and also at a large office block called Beak House on Baker Street.

“I believe I could have been exposed to asbestos in a range of ways, whether it was through drilling into ceiling tiles and plasterboard while fitting alarms or even when putting electrical equipment in boiler houses where laggers might be mixing asbestos for use on pipework.

“Throughout this time I was never provided with protective equipment and never thought I was at any risk, so I am shocked by what has happened. I want answers regarding my illness and any information on conditions at R V Griffiths (Electrical) Ltd could be vital.”

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Dominic Hemsi at Irwin Mitchell’s Manchester office on 0161 259 1516 or email Dominic.Hemsi2@IrwinMitchell.com. 

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in asbestosis claims.