Expert Asbestos-Related Disease Lawyers Investigating After Wife Contracts Fatal Disease After Washing Her Husband’s Overalls

Two devastated daughters, whose mother passed away after a battle with mesothelioma, a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos, are appealing to former colleagues of their late father for information after instructing expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell Scotland to investigate his exposure to the deadly material.

Rina Patrizia O’Hara died in August 2015 aged 87, after a short battle with mesothelioma.  Her daughters are now determined to achieve justice for her.  

Throughout her working life, Mrs O’Hara had never worked with asbestos, but her late husband, who was a Welder, had.  

David O’Hara, born 14 December 1927, had worked as a Welder with various employers throughout his working life.  This included Yarrow Shipbuilders from 1966 until 1970, George Wimpey & Co Limited from 1967 until 1974 and RDL (North Sea) Limited, also known as RGC Offshore Limited, Redpath Dorman Long (North Sea) Limited and Redpath De-Groot Caledonian, from 1974 until 1990.  

His daughters recall Mr O’Hara coming home from work each day wearing overalls covered in the lethal dust.  Their mother would regularly come into contact with the overalls when ‘shaking them out’, clearing excess dust and particles before putting them into the washing machine.  

Carla O’Hara and Adriana Telford, both the daughters of Mr and Mrs O’Hara, believe he would have been exposed to asbestos on a daily basis during his employment.

However, Mr O’Hara passed away in June 1999 and therefore supportive witness evidence is required from ex-colleagues to confirm the nature of his duties and the exposure.  

Nicola McCartney, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Glasgow office, who is representing the family, said:

Expert Opinion

“Asbestos was commonly used, or interfered with, in welding roles throughout the latter half of the 20th Century and it is highly likely he would have been exposed to asbestos either directly through his own duties or in his immediate vicinity.

“Sadly, with Mr O’Hara having passed away prior to Mrs O’Hara’s diagnosis of mesothelioma, we are unable to obtain his evidence in respect of the nature of his role.

“Mr O’Hara told his late wife and daughters about his working conditions but we are now appealing to any of his former colleagues to come forward with information they have on the presence of asbestos at work, the warning provided to staff on the dangers of asbestos and the protective equipment, if any, provided to tradesmen at the firms.” Nicola McCartney - Solicitor

Anyone with information on the working conditions at the companies mentioned during the specified years, should contact Nicola McCartney on 0141 300 4355 or email Nicola.McCartney@irwinmitchellscotland.com.

Our expert asbestos solicitors 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.