Specialist Asbestos-Related Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell Have Been Instructed To Investigate Man’s Asbestos Exposure

The niece of a former steel worker from South Wales, who died after suffering from an asbestos-related disease, has joined with specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to call on his ex-colleagues to come forward and help her in her bid for justice.

Michael Gough, from Cwm, Ebbw Vale, died on 7 July 2017, aged 89. Prior to his death, Michael suffered from Asbestosis, a chronic inflammatory disease caused by exposure to asbestos causing scarring in lung tissue.

Catherine Williams, Michael’s niece, has instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her uncle’s exposure to asbestos.  He believed that he was exposed to asbestos when working as a mason’s labourer at Ebbw Vale Steel Works from 1940s through to 1978.

Michael was initially employed at the works by Richard Thomas & Baldwin Ltd from 1946 until 1970 when the industry was nationalised.  Michael remained at the works until 1978 employed by the British Steel Corporation.

Now, together Catherine and her legal team are appealing to Michael’s former colleagues at the Ebbw Vale Steel Works to come forward with any information on the presence of asbestos at the works.

Rajni Kandola, the asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Catherine, said: “A case of this nature demonstrates the terrible impact that potential asbestos exposure can have on a victim, often leading them to develop very serious health problems decades after initial contact with the material.

“Our enquiries indicate that Michael was exposed to asbestos during his time at the Ebbw Vale Steel Works when working in the open hearth area.  Prior to his death, Michael recalled mixing and applying asbestos in the repair the works’ furnaces.

“We would be keen to develop a clearer picture of the working conditions he faced on a daily basis. Any information may prove essential in our efforts to ensure that Catherine can get the answers she deserves in relation to her uncle’s death.”

Catherine, 46 from Cwm, said: “Seeing Uncle Michael’s health deteriorate over the last few months of his life was really hard to watch and the whole family was devastated by his death.

“He wasn’t able to get justice for his illness when he was alive, so we are keen to try and ensure we get justice for him following his death.

“I, along with the rest of the family, urge anyone who worked with Uncle Michael at the Ebbw Vale Steel Works to come forward and contact our legal team at Irwin Mitchell.”

Anyone with information related to this case is urged to contact Rajni Kandola at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 214 5211 or email Rajni.Kandola@IrwinMitchell.com. 

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