Industrial Disease Experts Instructed To Help In Quest For Answers

A retired worker who has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness is appealing to his former colleagues for help as he launches a battle for justice.

Peter Bailey, 60, from Ammanford in Carmarthenshire, was left devastated when he was diagnosed in March last year with mesothelioma, a cancer in the lining of the lungs caused by inhaling deadly asbestos dust.

The father-of-four instructed industrial illness experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate where and when he was exposed to asbestos throughout his career so he can obtain justice for the exposure that leaves him very tired, breathless and in a lot of pain; it has also meant that since his diagnosis he has been unable to return to work.

Specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell would like to hear from any of Peter’s ex-colleagues who have worked him over the past 30 years at various companies where he believes he may have come into contact with asbestos, including:

• A small family firm of electricians located above Leonard Gill Ironmongers in Market Place 1967 – 1969/70 in Melton Mowbray – Peter joined the company as an apprentice electrician
• Stanton & Staveley Limited – 1975 – 1977 in Melton Mowbray Peter was employed as a crane driver at this firm
• Midland Woodworking Co. Ltd (Formerly known as Boulton & Paul (Joinery) Ltd – 1976 to 1978 and 1979 to 1980 in Melton Mowbray – He worked in the factory operating machinery
• Adwest Driver Systems Limited (Formerly known as Rearsby Automotive Limited) – 1981 to 1982 in Melton Mowbray – Peter was employed here as a welder
• Travis Perkins (Properties) Limited (Formerly known as Travis & Arnold PLC) – 1985 to 1986 in Melton Mowbray – Peter worked here as the builder’s yard foreman
• BPS Properties Limited (Formerly known as Branson Petroleum Services Limited) – 1987 to 1989 in Melton Mowbray – During his employment at the company, Peter worked in Forecourt management
• Benson Box Company Limited – 1999 to 2001 in Barden, Melton Mowbray – Peter was employed at the firm as group security officer

Kim Barrett, an expert asbestos lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Birmingham office, leading the case, said: “Peter and his family have been left devastated by his diagnosis of mesothelioma and they are desperate to see justice for the debilitating illness he must now live with for the rest of his life.

“We know that employers have known about the risks of using asbestos for many decades. The first Asbestos regulations came into force in 1931. Sadly our work shows many did not do enough to protect workers from the harmful dust and fibres and too many people are now suffering from asbestos-related diseases decades later.

“We now hope that anyone who has any information regarding the working practices and presence of asbestos at any of these companies during the time periods listed comes forward to assist with our enquiries as it could prove vital in obtaining justice for Peter.”

Peter said: “The diagnosis came as a complete shock to me and my family; it took a while for us all to come to terms with it. After speaking with my consultant, I decided to undergo chemotherapy treatment which makes me very poorly but I am battling through this for my family.

“It’s difficult not to be angry knowing that I have a chronic illness caused by something I was exposed to at work that I had no control over. I have a large family and love to spend time with them but since the diagnosis I have had to slow down a lot as I get tired very easily.

“I’ve had to come to terms with the fact I will spend the rest of my life on medication for my cough and to help my lungs. I just hope anyone who has any information, no matter how small, gets in touch as it could be a vital piece of evidence that could bring justice for the life-long illness I now face.”

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help is asked to contact Kim Barrett at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0121 214 5211 or email kim.barrett@irwinmitchell.com