Tamworth Man Instructs Lawyers To Investigate After Being Diagnosed With Asbestosis

A former British Leyland factory worker is appealing to his ex-workmates for help after being diagnosed with an incurable lung disease.

Lewis Wadsworth, has been diagnosed with asbestosis, a lung condition where the inside of the lung becomes scarred. The condition is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Following his diagnosis, in August 2023 Lewis, of Tamworth, Staffordshire, instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his illness and whether it was linked to his working life.

Lewis appeals to his former workmates to come forward

Lewis, aged 78, has now joined with his legal team to appeal for any of his former workmates to come forward with details of the conditions they worked under. They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked with Lewis during his time with British Leyland Cars in Solihull, from 1974 to 1980 and at GKN Bound Brook’s Lichfield factory, from 1980-1983.

Maria Roberts is the asbestos-related disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell supporting Lewis

Expert Opinion

“The last few months have been especially difficult for Lewis, as he and his family struggle to come to terms with his diagnosis and what this means for their future.

“There’s currently no known cure for asbestosis and while nothing can change what Lewis is having to face, we’re committed to helping him establish answers but also access any ongoing care he may need for his condition.

“Asbestos was used in a range of industrial environments in the past and Lewis hopes that some of his former workmates will be able to shed more light on his own experiences.

“As such, Lewis is keen to hear from any of his former workmates or others who worked at Leyland Cars-Rover and GKN at the same time. Any details they can provide could prove vital to Lewis.” Maria Roberts

Asbestosis: Lewis’ story

On leaving school at 15, Lewis was employed in local delivery and retail roles, before joining Rover British Leyland /Leyland Cars-Rover in 1974.

For the first three years, Lewis worked for the firm as a fork-lift truck driver at the Land Rover site in Solihull, before moving to be a car driver for the firm for the remainder of his time there. Lewis’ roles took him to all parts of the site, which he recalled was very large and he believes that asbestos was present in a number of these areas, including the roof.

During his time at the car parts manufacturers, GKN Bound Brook, Lewis was a press operator. His role involved working on cogs for engine parts and Lewis recalled the factory had 20-25 press machines and two furnaces.

The furnaces were large, big hoppers, and Lewis believed the furnaces were lined with asbestos. The furnaces would be cleaned out weekly by men wearing face masks, gloves and aprons. Those like Lewis, working in close proximity while this was done were never given protective equipment says Lewis.

A family man who enjoys caravanning holidays

Lewis married his wife Liz 58 in 1997 and the couple have 1 daughter together, Lewis also has 3 sons from a previous marriage.

In his spare time prior to his illness Lewis had always enjoyed caravanning holidays. He is also a keen football fan following the premier league on TV.

Lewis had been in good health until he began to experience heart problems and shortness of breath in 2022. Following an appointment with a respiratory consultant, asbestosis was diagnosed in January this year.

Lewis is currently waiting for some pulmonary rehabilitation treatment at Good Hope hospital.

Lewis said: “I was shocked and devastated when I was given the diagnosis. Nothing can prepare you for being told you have an incurable lung disease.

“The doctors and consultants started to ask lots of questions, particularly if I had ever worked with asbestos.

“I’m not giving up and I continue to keep as active as I can and while I’m fit enough, I really want to get to the bottom of my asbestos exposure. I can’t change the past, but I’d still like to know how this came to happen. Answers are the least I deserve.

“If any of my former workmates could come forward with their memories, it would be great to hear from them. What they have to tell could make the difference in getting to the bottom of my asbestos exposure and bring some peace of mind following a difficult few years for me and the family.”

Anyone with information that could help Lewis is asked to contact Maria Roberts at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 203 4025 or email Maria at Maria.Roberts@IrwinMitchell.com

Find out more about our expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.