Specialist Lawyers At Irwin Mitchell Are Investigating Man’s Asbestos Exposure

The family of a former heating engineer from Hull, who died from an asbestos-related terminal cancer last year ago, have joined with specialist lawyers to call for his old workmates to come forward and help them gain justice regarding his illness.

Michael Mullins, from Hedon and known as Mick to friends and family, passed away aged 70 in February 2017 following a diagnosis of mesothelioma – a cancer of the lining of the lung commonly associated with exposure to asbestos.

An inquest held at Hull Coroner’s Court on 1st December 2017, concluded that he died from malignant mesothelioma, and a conclusion of death due to industrial disease was recorded.

Prior to his death, Michael and his family instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office to help them gain answers regarding how Michael developed the illness and whether he could have been protected from exposure to the material.

Now, as part of their ongoing investigations, Michael’s family’s legal team are keen to speak to anyone who worked at Albert Draper and Son Ltd based in Hull in the 1960s. Michael worked for the firm between 1964/65 and 1968/69.

They are also appealing to those who worked at H Pickup Ltd, also known as H Pick Up Heating and Ventilation Ltd and H Pickup Mechanical and Electrical Services, in Scarborough to come forward and provide information regarding how exposure to asbestos may have arose. Michael was employed by the company between 1978/79 and 2010/11.

Nicola Handley, the specialist asbestos lawyer at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Michael’s family, said: “This is sadly yet another example of the devastating consequences of asbestos exposure often only become apparent many years after the contact has seemingly taken place and at time in someone’s life when they are looking forward to spending time with their loved ones after many years of hard work and manual labour.

“Michael’s family remain desperate for answers regarding how he was exposed to asbestos and if it could have been avoided. We would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to help us as we continue our examination of his work history.”

Following his diagnosis of mesothelioma, Michael recalled being exposed to asbestos whilst working at various sites including hospitals, schools, and universities across Yorkshire.

Before his death, Michael told his legal team that he spent time working at Albert Draper and Son in the 1960’s when the company used to scrap steam and diesel locomotives. He was unaware that these would have contained asbestos.

His wife Linda, 69, recalled that: “The whole family remains devastated by Mick’s death. “It is still hard to believe that Mick has passed away and the whole family misses him so much.

“We met when we were only teenagers and I can recall him getting dirty and dusty at work as far back as when he was employed by Drapers, right up to his retirement following a lengthy employment with H Pick Up from 1978 to 2011.”

During Michael’s life he worked at some prestigious sites across Yorkshire, including Settrington Grange and Howsham Hall.

Linda added: “Mick was very proud of his working history and the various projects and sites that he had worked at.

“We just want to get some justice for him and we are frustrated to be left with so many questions regarding his death and the fact that the job that he enjoyed could have led to his death.

“We would appreciate any help or information from his former colleagues in order to assist us in finding out just how he became exposed to asbestos.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Nicola Handley at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 220 6233 or email Nicola.Handley@IrwinMitchell.com.

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