Claim Pursued Against Employer

The widow of a Halifax man, who died after being exposed to asbestos, is appealing to his ex-workmates to come forward to aid her legal battle for justice.

Mr Paul Hewitt passed away aged 63 on 22 August 2009, six months after developing mesothelioma, the fatal asbestos-related cancer. An inquest into Mr Hewitts’s death on 19 May 2010 recorded a verdict of death by industrial disease.

His widow, Mrs Susan Hewitt, has now instructed industrial disease expert Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell to pursue a civil claim against his former Halifax-based employers, C and R Construction.

Mr Hewitt worked for C and R Construction, a well known construction company based in Halifax during the 1960s. His job included building garages and erecting other pre-fabricated buildings with his work mates which included some of his family who also worked for the firm.

It is believed that Mr Hewitt inhaled significant levels of asbestos dust whilst working for the firm and now Mr Hewitt’s widow is calling for his former colleagues to come forward to offer information on the working conditions at C and R Construction in the 1960s.

She said: “I am devastated that Paul’s life has been robbed from us. His absence has deeply affected our family and things will not be the same without him.

“I would like to urge anyone that can offer information about the firm or the working conditions to come forward and help. Paul had many friends when working for C and R Construction so I’m sure there must be someone out there who can help.”

Ian Toft, an industrial illness specialist from law firm Irwin Mitchell, said: “The inquest into Mr Hewitt’s death has confirmed that he died as a direct result of being exposed to asbestos fibres.

“At the moment we have very limited information about the firm and their insurers so it’s vital we track down Paul Hewitt’s former colleagues or hear from people that may have dealt with the company during in the 1960’s.

“Over two thousand people are diagnosed with mesothelioma every year. It is a type of cancer that is almost always caused by asbestos exposure. It does not respond well to treatment, and treatment options are limited. Employers have a duty to take precautions with asbestos. There is no safe type of asbestos, and no safe level of asbestos exposure.”

Anyone who can help should call Ian Toft at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email Ian.Toft@irwinmitchell.com

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.