Mesothelioma legal help

A Barnard Castle pensioner and his family have launched an urgent appeal for help in his battle to win mesothelioma compensation.

George Robert McDonald of Bridgegate has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal form of lung cancer caused as a result of asbestos exposure.

Mr McDonald, who has lived and worked in Barnard Castle most of his life, believes that he may have been exposed to asbestos when he worked for E Rutherford & Co and then Glaxo Laboratories.

He would like anybody who knew or worked with him to come forward to help in his fight for justice.

Seventy-eight year old George McDonald - popularly known locally as Mac - worked for Rutherford from around 1957 to 1969.

Though he did not work directly with asbestos, the company shared the site with The North of England Chamois Leather Company, who made asbestos products.

He later went onto work for Glaxo Laboratories in Barnard Castle from 1969 to 1990.

Mr McDonald and his family believe that he may have been exposed to deadly asbestos during either or both of these periods of employment.

Mesothelioma lawyer

National personal injury lawyers Irwin Mitchell are acting for Mr McDonald and are investigating a mesothelioma claim for compensation against his previous employers.

Lucy Hindmarch from the Newcastle office of national law firm Irwin Mitchell is Mr McDonalds legal representative.

She is confident that a case can be brought if a source of asbestos exposure can be confirmed.

Mesothelioma contracted at work

She said: "Mr McDonald, is a hard working local man, who did his job with no questions and is the innocent victim of a terrible asbestos related illness which should have been prevented.

"I am appealing for witnesses to come forward to confirm that he was exposed to asbestos.

"There is evidence to suggest that there was asbestos in the Rutherfords and Glaxo sites and buildings.

"We have evidence to suggest that it may have been identified and removed in the mid 1980s from Glaxos stores area.

"There is no doubt it was used by the Chamois Leather company, which shared grounds with Rutherford.

"I am appealing for anybody who knows Mr McDonald or worked for any of these companies around the time of his employment to come forward.

"Ideally, we would like to hear from people who can tell us about the working environment for these companies or who have pursued an asbestos related disease claim against any of them in the past.

"Their information could prove vital in helping Mr McDonald and his family secure justice."

Anyone able to help should contact Lucy Hindmarch on 0870 366 4120.

Do you have a claim? If you or someone you know has been effected by mesothelioma, our solicitors may be able to help. Visit our mesothelioma claims section.