Loved Ones Join With Lawyers To Appeal For Ex-Colleagues To Come Forward

The family of a former factory worker from Gateshead who died earlier this year from an asbestos-related disease have joined with lawyers to appeal for his old workmates to come forward and help them gain justice regarding his death.

Frederick Thomas Bain, known to friends and family as “Fred”, died aged 74 in May around seven months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos. An inquest held on August 8th 2017 ruled that he died from industrial disease.

Prior to his death, Fred instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and help him gain answers regarding how he came to develop mesothelioma. He also outlined how he believed he was exposed to the deadly material during his time working at tile manufacturer Armstrong Cork Co Ltd between 1973 and 1997.

Now, with his family proceeding with the legal claim in his memory, the legal experts are calling on anyone who worked at the company during that time to come forward and provide information on the presence of asbestos at the site.

Emma Tordoff, the specialist asbestos lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office who is representing Fred’s family, said: 

Expert Opinion

“This is another truly devastating case in which a worker has developed a very serious illness as a result of asbestos exposure that most likely occurred many decades ago.

“We issued proceedings in this case earlier this year, but just days before Fred’s death we were informed that Armstrong Cork Co Ltd deny liability in the case.

“As a result, we are hoping to secure more evidence to support the case and would be keen to hear from anyone who worked alongside Fred during his many years at the company, or who worked at the company during that time, even if they didn’t know Fred. Any detail regarding the presence of asbestos could ultimately prove vital.” Emma Bell - Senior Associate Solicitor

During his time working for Armstrong Cork Co Ltd – later known as Armstrong World Industries Ltd – at the company’s Team Valley Trading Estate factory, Fred was employed as a general worker, cleaner and a chargehand.

Before he passed away, he informed Irwin Mitchell how he remembered asbestos being used in the manufacturing process for tiles, with huge bales of the material being delivered to the factory twice a week.

Ann Bain, Fred’s widow said: “Fred talked about how workers would open the bales and dust would fly into the air while he was often just yards away. He also worked a lot in the warehouse and would often sweep up dust and debris close to the bales.

“He was only given a mask with a filter towards the end of his time at the company, so was understandably devastated when he got his diagnosis. While nothing can change what has happened, we are determined to honour his memory by ensuring that we gain justice regarding his death. If anyone who worked with him could come forward it would be hugely appreciated.”

Anyone with information regarding the working conditions at Armstrong Cork Co Ltd between 1973 and 1997 should contact Michael McGowan at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 279 0104 or email michael.mcgowan@irwinmitchell.com. 

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in dealing with mesothelioma cases.