Expert Industrial Illness Lawyers Instructed To Seek Justice

The widow of a former carpenter is appealing to his former colleagues to help with an investigation after he died from an asbestos-related cancer caused by exposure to the deadly dust.

Terence Illidge, 72, from West Bromwich, in the West Midlands, died in August 2013 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer affecting the lining of the lungs.

His wife Beryl, 75, has instructed industrial illness experts at law firm Irwin Mitchell to investigate where Terence came into contact with asbestos throughout his career as a carpenter and why more wasn’t done to ensure his safety whilst on site.

Throughout his career as a carpenter and joiner, Terence worked at A.F.R Godfrey & Co Limited in Wolverhampton between 1955 and 1969 and then he worked for George Law Limited from 1969 to 1973.

Expert Opinion

We would like to speak to anyone who worked at either A.F.R Godfrey & Co Limited in Wolverhampton or George Law Limited based in Rugby in the 1950s, 1960s and 1970s as we believe they may hold vital information about asbestos that could help Terence’s family in their battle for justice.

“I urge anyone who can give details of working conditions at A.F.R Godfrey & Co Limited or George Law Limited to come forward as they may be able to help with our enquiries.

"According to research published on the Health & Safety Executive (HSE) website, one in 17 British carpenters born in the 1940s will die from mesothelioma.

“Mesothelioma is an industrial illness for which there is sadly no cure but it is decades after exposure to asbestos before the symptoms begin, making it difficult for people to recall where and how they came into contact with the dangerous dust. Employers have been aware of the dangers of exposing workers to asbestos dust since the 1950s and 60s and this case highlights the devastating consequences the disease can have.”

Satinder Bains - Partner

Beryl said: “Terry lived a very simple, quiet life. Ted, as he was sometimes known, was a wonderful man of true integrity and trust. It was such a shock when we found out about his illness. He loved working but he wasn’t aware of the dangers of asbestos at that time. Mesothelioma is an awful illness and nothing can prepare you for having to deal with it. To lose Terry has had such an impact on the family.

“I urge anyone who knew or worked with Terry to come forward with any information as to the working conditions at either of these companies and also about the presence of asbestos, so that we can continue to seek justice for him.

“It has been difficult to come to terms with losing Terence and now knowing that his illness was caused from him going to work all those years and being exposed to asbestos without knowing the dangers or being provided with the appropriate safety equipment.”

Anyone who thinks they may be able to help and provide any information about the working conditions at A.F.R Godfrey & Co Limited or George Law Limited is asked to contact Satinder Bains at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0121 214 5281 or email Satinder.bains@irwinmitchell.com.