12.09.2014

Specialist Workplace Illness Lawyers Investigate Working Conditions

The family of a former occupational therapist who died from an asbestos-related cancer is appealing to her former colleagues for information about the working conditions at a hospital in South Yorkshire.

Nora Leverton from Stannington, in Sheffield died on 4 January this year from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos dust, following an eight month battle with the disease.

Nora, 77, began work in 1972 at Middlewood Hospital in Sheffield as a cleaner, but later trained as an occupational therapy assistant and continued to work there up until 1986. 

Nora’s son David Leverton has instructed asbestos-related disease experts at Irwin Mitchell to investigate his mother’s exposure to the deadly dust and has informed them that before her death she remembered that the hospital underwent renovation work during her employment and she recalled dust and fibres in the air.

It is widely known that, in the 1970s and 1980s asbestos boards were often used for insulation and fireproofing in large public buildings and now David, backed by his legal team at Irwin Mitchell, is appealing to Nora’s former colleagues to come forward in the hope they can confirm details about the presence of asbestos materials and working conditions at Middlewood Hospital throughout her career.

Expert Opinion

Mesothelioma is a cancer for which the only known cause is exposure to asbestos dust. It is an illness which could have been avoided simply by precautions being taken in the workplace.

“We hope that Nora’s former colleagues will be able to come forward with any information about the conditions at Middlewood Hospital as it may prove vital in obtaining justice for the family.

“The dangers and risks to health from exposure to asbestos dust have been known for a very long time. The first regulations to protect workers from inhaling asbestos dust were made law in 1931 yet all too often, very sadly we see workers lost their lives decades later because they were not warned of the dangers or given the correct safety equipment.”
Simone Hardy - Senior Associate Solicitor

David, 51, from Sheffield, said: “Losing my mother has devastated the whole family. She was well respected at Middlewood Hospital and dedicated a significant part of her life to working there. 

“We would be grateful for anyone to come forward who knew Mum or worked at the Middlewood Hospital during the 1970s and 1980s. Their information may prove vital in helping us find out how Mum was exposed to asbestos and also to help raise awareness about the hazards of this substance for the benefit of others who may have come into contact with it, unknowingly, throughout their career.”

Anyone who knew or worked with Nora at Middlewood Hospital between 1972 and 1986 are asked to contact Simone Hardy at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4420 or email Simone.Hardy@irwinmitchell.com.

Our expert asbestos claims team will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to contracting mesothelioma. See our Mesothelioma Claims page for more information.