Expert Lawyers Investigating Asbestos Exposure That Caused Mesothelioma

A former Clerical Officer for Sefton Council who has been diagnosed asbestos-related cancer, is appealing to her former colleagues for information about asbestos exposure at Council offices at Balliol House on Balliol Road in Bootle to help expert lawyers at Irwin Mitchell investigate whether more could have done by her ex-employers to protect her.

Joan Walmsley, 83, from Southport, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in August last year. Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the lining of the lungs and is caused by asbestos exposure decades before the symptoms begin to show.

Joan has instructed expert industrial illness lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate her case. Joan spent nearly all her working life working for Southport Corporation and Southport Council in their Rates Office.

Joan believes she was exposed to asbestos whilst working as a Clerical Officer for the Council at Balliol House in Bootle from 1975 onwards. Joan was employed as a Ratings Officer in the Rates office, covering the Maghull, Aintree and Crosby sections.

Joan recalls coming into work each morning at Balliol House to find her desk covered in a light, white coloured dust, which she believes had fallen from the ceiling tiles or ventilation grates that were overhead.  She is appealing for anyone who worked at Balliol House at the same time as her to come forward if they have information about asbestos exposure there.

Geraldine Coombs, an expert industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Joan, said: 

Expert Opinion

“Mesothelioma is an aggressive form of cancer which is always caused by asbestos exposure. The dangers of asbestos have been known for decades and warnings as well as adequate protection should have been offered to those in contact with asbestos.

“The sad fact is that employers took short cuts with safety measures and did not protect their employees from breathing in asbestos dust. Joan is a very much loved mother and grandmother. Her whole family is devastated by her diagnosis and illness.”

“Balliol House where Joan worked has been demolished. We would like to speak to anyone who worked at Balliol House during 1975 and 1991, who could give information about asbestos exposure there.” Geraldine Coombs - Partner

Joan, who sadly lost her husband, Les, in 1987 and who has one daughter, Lynda said: “I am still coming to terms with my diagnosis as it was completely out of the blue. I retired in 1993 and I have always been fit and well until now. The breathlessness crept up on me and it was not long before I had to be rushed into hospital when I found I could not breathe. The tests showed I have mesothelioma.  I am appealing for help with information about asbestos from anyone who worked at Balliol House when I did from 1975 onwards.”

Anyone who worked with Joan and can provide any information about asbestos at Balliol House is asked to contact Edward Joy at Irwin Mitchell on 0161 259 1550 or email Edward.Joy@IrwinMitchell.com.

Our expert asbestos lawyers will provide you with free initial advice on your compensation claim if you or a loved one has suffered due to an asbestos related illness. See our Asbestos-Related Disease Claims Guide for more information.