Irwin Mitchell Instructed To Investigate Working Conditions Appeal for Former Workers To Help With Mesothelioma Case

The family of a former lecturer, who died of an asbestos-related cancer are appealing for his former colleagues to come forward and provide any information which will support their search for answers regarding his death.

Martin Gaylard, from Denham, died aged 77 in March 2014 after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos exposure decades ago, in May 2013 after feeling unwell since December 2012.

In the time before his diagnosis Martin felt unwell and was becoming increasingly breathless. This continued until his death in 2014.

The father-of-two worked at a range of companies across the UK. He worked for W T Avery Limited as a graduate trainee engineer, before moving to Brunel University in 1962 as an assistant lecturer in both the Acton and Uxbridge campuses. He remained at Brunel University until his retirement in 2000.

Martin spent a considerable amount of time in his vibrations lab in Brunel University and was also responsible for supervising placement of students and would visit them at the placement site twice a year, including Preston and Harwell atomic energy research establishments, English Electric in Rugby, British Gypsum plant in Nottingham and the Steel Mill Iron Foundry in Port Talbot.

His widow, Elsbeth and children, Alexei and Oliver have now instructed specialist asbestos related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them gain answers about how Martin was exposed to the deadly dust and are appealing to his former colleagues to come forward and help with their fight for justice.

Joanne Jefferies, a specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family, said:

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is an aggressive and incurable cancer and has devastating consequences for sufferers and their loved ones. Sadly, despite employers knowing how dangerous it is, many in the past did not do enough to manage the risks of asbestos exposure to protect their employees.

“Because the illness is linked to exposure to asbestos decades ago it can sometimes be difficult to find information on the working conditions the victims have endured.

“In Martin’s case, he worked across numerous sites across the UK and we would urge anyone who worked with him to get in touch. They might be able to provide vital information that may help with our investigations.” Joanne Jefferies - Partner

Elsbeth said: “A year on and the whole family are still in complete shock and to know he died from an asbestos-related illness is heart-breaking, It was horrible to see him suffer in such a way. We now need to know how this happened, and whether anything could have been done to put a stop to his death.

“We’re really hoping those who he worked with might be able to help give us more information so that we can determine what caused his terrible illness.”

Anyone with any information about the working conditions of Martin’s former employers should contact Joanne Jefferies on 0207 421 3936 or at joanne.jefferies@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.