Decorator Died Of Mesothelioma After Suspected Asbestos Exposure At Friern Hospital

The widow of a former London painter and decorator who died of mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to harmful asbestos dust decades ago is calling for his former colleagues to help with an investigation.

Daniel (Danny) McArdle, was just 69 years old when he died from the asbestos-related cancer in September 2014 just months after the first onset of his symptoms.

He first noticed during the summer that year that he had become short of breath and underwent various tests and scans before being diagnosed with mesothelioma in August 2014.  However his condition deteriorated very rapidly and he sadly died in hospital on 2 September 2014, before he had a chance to discuss fully his previous asbestos exposure. 

His widow Clarita McArdle has therefore instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s London office in order to investigate her husband’s exposure to asbestos further.

It takes many years following exposure to asbestos before mesothelioma symptoms begin to develop and expert lawyers believe that Danny was exposed to the deadly dust throughout his working life as a painter and decorator at Friern Hospital between 1974 and 1993.

Friern Hospital was a former psychiatric hospital in Barnet and Danny worked there as a painter and decorator. It is understood that he predominantly worked within the wards, scrubbing down the walls and then painting them afterwards, however he was required to use hidden staff passage ways to travel between these wards. 

A former colleague of Danny’s has advised that these passage ways contained asbestos lagged pipes and cabling and that this asbestos was in a poor condition.  His widow Clarita and her lawyers at Irwin Mitchell are now seeking more information so they can help secure justice on Danny’s behalf.

Expert Opinion

“Unfortunately, as Danny worked at the Hospital some time ago and died before he could provide us with more information, we need to speak to more people to develop a clearer picture of the exact nature of his asbestos exposure

“We would like to speak to anyone who may have worked with Danny as they may be able to help with our enquiries.

“Mesothelioma is an aggressive and distressing terminal cancer and there is sadly no cure. His family deserve to know how he was exposed to the harmful asbestos which caused his untimely death.” Natalia Rushworth-White - Associate Solicitor

Before his death, Danny's hobbies were running, badminton and he also enjoyed fishing. He was always helping people with decorating jobs too.

Clarita who lives in North London said: it was such a shock to the system when Danny was diagnosed with mesothelioma as it seemed that one minute he was fine and the next he had cancer and just months to live.  To find out his illness was probably caused simply by him going to work every day added insult to injury.

“I hope that anyone who remembers working with Danny will get in touch so that we can get the answers we need to be able to move on with our lives and enable the lawyers to progress his case further.”

Anyone with information on the working conditions at Frien Hospital or who worked with Danny McArdle should call 0207 421 3900 or email natalia.rushworthwhite@irwinmitchell.com.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.