Son Asks Lawyers To Investigate After Dad Dies Of Asbestosis

The son of a former maintenance worker is appealing for help in establishing how his dad was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

John Wright, from Bury St Edmunds, died after receiving a diagnosis of asbestosis, which is a chronic lung disease caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. The condition is most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos, often decades previously.

Son calls on lawyers to investigate dad’s illness

Following his dad’s death aged 81, his son, Dean Wright, 53, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his dad’s illness and if it could be linked to his work history.

Dean has now joined with his legal team to appeal to John’s former workmates to come forward with information on the conditions his dad would have worked under.

They’re keen to trace anyone who worked with John while he was employed as a general building’s labourer with Haymills Contractors Ltd, between 1973 to 2004. The company was based in Stowmarket, Suffolk. John worked on a number of jobs including in Duxford,  Bassingbourn and Waterbeach.

Helena Wareham is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Dean.

Expert Opinion

“It has been a difficult for Dean and the rest of John’s family as they have struggled to come to terms with his death.

“John’s asbestosis diagnosis came as a complete shock and his death is yet another reminder of the devastation families can be left to face because of the terrible legacy asbestos has created.

“While nothing can change what John’s loved ones are going through, we’re determined to help Dean find the answers he’s looking for.

“If any of John’s old colleagues or those who worked for Haymills Contractors Ltd could come forward with their recollections, it would be a great comfort to Dean and could make all the difference in securing the answers the family deserve.” Helena Wareham

John Wright’s story

As part of his role, John was required to carry out various maintenance and demolition work. John used to come home from work covered in dust, which he believed included asbestos.

John married his late wife, Mary, in the 1960s and the couple had three children, Dean, Neville and Gavin. John had two grandchildren, now aged 13 and 22 years old. John enjoyed spending time with his family and caring for the grandchildren. He also enjoyed exploring and liked to go away with Mary, in particular, to Scotland and Lowestoft.

John had been in good health until he began to experience shortness of breath in 2021. Following a visit to his GP, John was sent for tests. He was subsequently diagnosed with asbestosis in late 2021. He died on 30 December, 2022 with his family by his side.

Son Dean pays tribute to a great man and a good dad

Dean said: “It’s been over a year and a half now since dad’s passing and it’s still hard to believe he’s no longer with us. He was a great man, a good dad and nothing was ever too much trouble for him.

“He’d always worked hard and was a strong man, so the asbestosis diagnosis came as a complete shock to all of us.

“When he was diagnosed dad wanted to look into how he was exposed to asbestos but his declining health made that impossible.

“It could really help us find some of the answers if anyone who remembers dad, or has information that may assist, could get in touch.”

Anyone with information that could help Dean is asked to contact Helena Wareham at Irwin Mitchell on Tel: 01223 791 840 or by e-mail at Helena.wareham@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.