Appeal Launched For More Information

The devastated widow of a former Tamworth carpenter who died of an asbestos-related disease has launched an emotional appeal to win justice for her husband by asking people who worked with him to come forward with vital information.

Trevor Hilton is believed to have been exposed to deadly asbestos dust during his employment with Selly Oak Hospital, the Birmingham Ministry of Works and Granville Tin Plate Limited.

Mr Hilton, who lived in Fazeley in Tamworth, was diagnosed with mesothelioma; a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, in May 2010 and sadly died 10 months later on the 12th March 2011, aged 79.

An inquest held by HM Coroner for Staffordshire (South), Andrew Haigh, in July 2011 confirmed that Mr Hilton had died from an industrial disease.

With the help of specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, Trevor’s widow, Margaret, is now seeking people who worked with her husband who may be able to provide additional information as to how he came into contact with the lethal fibres.

She believes his health problems were caused by three possible sources. He worked for Selly Oak Hospital between 1945 and 1952 where he was working as an apprentice carpenter and joiner. It is believed Mr Hilton was also exposed to asbestos during his employment with the Birmingham Ministry of Works between 1954 and 1956 where he was also working as a carpenter and whilst employed by Granville Tin Plate Limited between 1957 and 1960. Mr Hilton’s jobs involved cutting asbestos sheets to size and it is believed he had contact with asbestos lagging on the pipework with these former employers.

Commenting on her husband’s death, Margaret Hilton said: “Trevor and I had been married for over 55 years and we have two daughters, Lorraine and Jayne and three grandchildren, aged 18, 15 and 8, who all miss him terribly.

“When we were told about his diagnosis we were both completely devastated. This terrible illness took him so very quickly and he suffered a great deal in the last months of his life.

“My husband worked hard all his life and to know that his work was ultimately responsible for his death is hard to bear. Our family have also been devastated by his death and we are all desperate to see justice is done.”

Hayley Hill, a workplace illness expert with Irwin Mitchell solicitor’s Birmingham office, is representing the family. She said: “Even in the 1960s and 70s employers knew of the risks associated with asbestos and the dangers of inhaling lethal fibres.

“Mesothelioma is an asbestos related cancer for which there is sadly no cure. Although it can take upwards of 20 years from exposure to onset of the illness, once diagnosed it can be very aggressive and painful.

“In order to help his widow conclude her fight for justice, I am particularly keen to hear from workers from Selly Oak Hospital from 1945 to 1952, from the Birmingham Ministry of Works from 1954 to 1956 and from Granville Tin Plate Limited from 1957 to 1960 as they may have key information about the presence of asbestos and working practices at these premises.”

Anyone who can help with any information is asked to contact Hayley Hill at Irwin Mitchell on 0370 1500 100 or email hayley.hill@irwinmitchell.com

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos, our expert mesothelioma lawyers could help you claim compensation. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.