Expert Asbestos-Related Disease Lawyers Investigating Exposure At Coventry Factory

The heartbroken widow of a former Coventry forklift truck worker who died from mesothelioma – an incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos decades ago – is appealing to his former colleagues to come forward and help with an investigation into his exposure to the material.

Geoff Guilfoyle died at the age of 76 in March 2015 after a short battle with the disease.

Now his widow, Bridget, 76, has instructed specialist asbestos lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how and where Geoffrey came into contact with asbestos.

Together they are appealing to his former colleagues from Coventry Climax Limited, which later became known as Kalmar Limited to come forward with information on the presence of asbestos at the firm’s Sandy Lane site in Coventry.

Geoff, a father-of-three, worked for the company between 1968 and 2003 and undertook a number of roles in the manufacturing of forklift trucks, including handling materials the trucks were made from and painting the forklifts.

During his time at the Sandy Lane site some of the buildings, which were thought to contain asbestos, were demolished. He recalled working at the site during the demolition when asbestos was disturbed and released into the working environment.

Before his death he also recalled working at the firm’s Mile Lane premises in 1978 and 1979 as a Parts and Services Supervisor, where he regularly handled brake shoes made from asbestos.

Hayley Hill, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing Geoff’s family, said:

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is a very aggressive, and sadly, incurable cancer and once diagnosed can lead to a rapid deterioration in a victim’s health. It can cause a significant amount of pain and suffering for victims like Geoff, as well as family and friends who see their loved ones in distress.

“We hope that anyone who remembers Geoff will come forward and provide the crucial evidence we need about how and where he was exposed to asbestos to help us get his family the answers they need after losing their husband, father and grandfather.” Hayley Hill - Senior Associate Solicitor

Bridget, a grandmother-of-eight from Coventry, said: “Geoff and I first noticed he was unwell in June 2014 on a walking holiday together as he was struggling to get his breath or walk for long periods of time.

“When he was diagnosed with mesothelioma it completely knocked us for six. We are a very close family and supported each other during Geoff’s last few months but it was terrible to see him suffering so much pain and deteriorate so quickly.

“Hopefully, those who worked with him during the 35 years he spent at Coventry Climax and Kalmar Limited will come forward with the information we need to get justice for Geoff.”

Anyone with information on the presence of asbestos at the Coventry-based firm should contact Hayley Hill at Irwin Mitchell on 0121 214 5273 or email Hayley.Hill@IrwinMitchell.com

Our expert mesothelioma solicitors will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved on has been diagnosed with mesothelioma caused by asbestos exposure. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.