Expert London Asbestos-Related Disease Lawyers Investigating Exposure

A retired furniture worker who spent much of his working life in London is appealing to his former colleagues for help after being diagnosed with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by exposure to harmful asbestos decades ago.

Hans Berger, 64, from Bedford, was diagnosed with the disease in October 2015 after suffering with a persistent cough and shortness of breath.

He has now instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how and where he came into contact with asbestos and if more could have been done to warn him of the dangers of the substance and prevent him from inhaling the harmful dust and fibres.

Hans, who is originally from Aarau, Switzerland, moved to the UK in 1972 and believes he may have been exposed to asbestos during his working life as he travelled to a number of furniture manufacturers during his time in the industry.

He began working in the furniture industry in 1974 with Williams Furniture in Collindale, before moving on to Staflex International Limited in Hendon in 1976.

Hans informed his legal team at Irwin Mitchell that his work at Staflex International Limited required him to visit a number of furniture manufacturers. He regularly visited a factory owned by N Norman Furniture Limited in Tottenham.

The factory was very dusty and noisy and that he would walk around the factory while production was taking place. Hans then spent ten years working for Robert Bosch as a salesman based in Watford and Denham, which required him to visit warehouses which may have contained asbestos to check on stock.

Now Hans, along with his wife Patricia, 65, is appealing to anyone who worked with him at Williams Furniture, Staflex Global Limited and Robert Bosche, or those who worked at the N Norman Furniture Limited premises in Tottenham to come forward with the crucial information he needs to get answers about how he came into contact with the asbestos that caused him to develop mesothelioma.

Mary Mulhall, an expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing him, said: “The fact that the symptoms and terrible illnesses linked to asbestos exposure, such as mesothelioma, do not present themselves for decades can cause significant issues for victims like Hans.

“It can really help the sufferer to remember what happened to them if former colleagues and witnesses to come forward with details about the presence of asbestos, as well as the working conditions, safety equipment and warnings put in place for employees.

“We are urging those who worked with Hans, as well as those who worked at factories Hans visited regularly in the 1970s to come forward with any information they may have as they may be able to help in his battle for justice.”

Hans, who has been married to Patricia for 37 years, said: “My diagnosis has come as an absolute bolt out of the blue for myself and Patricia. It is even more concerning that the disease may have been caused by my exposure to asbestos at work.

“Throughout my working life I regularly visited premises that may have contained asbestos and factories where furniture was being manufactured. I believe this is where my exposure occurred but I need some of my former colleagues, or those who worked at furniture factories I visited, to come forward with information. I was never warned of the dangers or given any protective clothing or breathing mask.

“I’m extremely worried about what the future holds for myself and Patricia as my disease develops and my health deteriorates. I can only hope people will come forward and help me get the answers I need.”

Anyone with information on the presence of asbestos and working conditions at Staflex International Limited and N Norman Furniture Limited in Tottenham should contact Mary Mulhall on 0207 421 4707 or email Mary.Mulhall@IrwinMitchell.com

Our expert mesothelioma claims team 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.