Law Firm Seeks Justice for London Mesothelioma Victim

By Dave Grimshaw

The distraught widow of a man who died from an asbestos-related cancer is appealing for anyone who may have worked with her husband to come forward and help shed light on his exposure to the toxic material.

Joseph Barrow, 82, from Hayes in Middlesex, lost his battle with mesothelioma at the end of October 2012, only six months after he was admitted to hospital with his first symptoms.

His wife Vera, 77, has instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers, Irwin Mitchell Solicitors. They are seeking to discover further details about how Joseph was exposed to the deadly dust during his employment with Richard James (Westminster) Limited.

He worked for the company, a plumbing and heating firm that was on Lacy Road in Putney, between 1963 and 1970, employed as a Plumber Foreman. Irwin Mitchell are searching for his former co-workers from Richard James (Westminster) Limited.

Alice Humphreys, the asbestos-related disease expert at law firm Irwin Mitchell representing Vera, said: “Joseph worked for Richard James (Westminster) Limited during the mid to late 60’s when the dangers of asbestos were known to employers, yet it appears he still had to work in dangerous conditions.

“Through no fault of his own, Joseph suffered a horrible illness which has taken him away from his family far too soon. I’d like to urge anyone to come forward who can help provide information about the working conditions at the firm in the 60’s.”

Commenting on her loss, Vera from Hayes in Middlesex, said: “During Joseph’s employment he worked at houses, office blocks and industrial buildings, his job involved installing pie work.

“I remember him complaining about lagging. He said it was dusty and as far as I know he was never given a mask to wear for protection.”

In May 2012 Joseph went to Hillingdon Hospital as he had begun to lose weight. He was admitted again to Hillingdon in July 2012 and it was found he had cancer in his left lung which was too far along for treatment.

“Mesothelioma is an awful disease. Joseph became very breathless when walking just around the block and when climbing stairs. It also made him very lethargic, he slept a lot, and suffered pain in his side. It put him off his food completely and he just stopped liking the way foods tasted so he lost a lot of weight. We were devastated when he died.

“I have now lost my husband and my two sons have lost a father all because of the air he breathed at work every day. We all want justice for Joseph and I hope as many people as possible can help provide information about his exposure to asbestos dust.”

Anybody with relevant information should contact Alice Humphreys at Irwin Mitchell on 0207 421 4730 or email alice.humphreys@irwinmitchell.com

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in relation to Mesothelioma Compensation Claims