Loved Ones And Lawyers Seek Information On Tyne And Wear Man’s Work History

The family of a former electrical engineer from Tyne and Wear who died earlier this year from asbestos-related disease are calling on his old workmates to come forward and help them gain justice regarding the illness.

Eric Cuthbertson, from Rowlands Gill, died aged 67in March 2018, just two months after medical experts confirmed that he had developed mesothelioma, the cancer of the lining of the lung most commonly associated with exposure to asbestos materials.

Prior to his death, Eric instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office to investigate how he developed the illness and whether more could have been done to prevent his contact with asbestos.

As part of their work, the lawyers, who are continuing with the legal claim on behalf of his family, are now appealing for more information regarding the working conditions Eric would have faced during his employment at R W & TE Kidd Ltd in Birtley between 1966 and 1968 and his 40-year career at Sevcon Ltd in Team Valley from 1968 to 2008.

Roger Maddocks, the Partner and asbestos-related disease expert at Irwin Mitchell who is representing Eric’s family, said: 

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“This is another case which demonstrates the terrible consequences of asbestos-related disease, with Eric’s health deteriorating rapidly following his initial symptoms and subsequent diagnosis.

“While we were sadly unable to secure justice for Eric within his lifetime, we remain determined to bring this case to a successful conclusion on behalf of his family and would be hugely grateful to anyone who can provide information which will assist us.

“Any information on the working conditions at either of these employers could prove absolutely vital as we seek to determine how Eric was exposed to asbestos and whether anything more could have been done to protect him from the dangers of the material.” Roger Maddocks - Partner

Before he passed away, Eric told lawyers at Irwin Mitchell how he was employed at R W & T E Kidd Ltd in Birtley as an apprentice electrician and fitter and would spend most of his time in the factory repairing electrical motors. 

However he added that he also undertook some off-site work in a range of locations and that the work could involve removing motors from ventilation or extraction systems that was close to pipework lagged with asbestos lagging.

Eric’s main employment throughout his life was as an electrical engineer at Sevcon Ltd in Team Valley. While he recalled initially working in an old building which contained asbestos, he believed the company moved to new premises a few years later. He also undertook repairs off-site across UK and Europe.

Eric’s family have said: “We remain devastated by the loss of Eric and we are determined to continue with this legal claim to honour his memory.

“It was very difficult to watch how mesothelioma affected him in the final weeks of his life and we feel it is only right to continue the effort to gain answers regarding the illness.

“If any of his former colleagues or workmates are able to get in touch with information regarding the potential presence of asbestos during these jobs it would be hugely appreciated.”

Anyone with information related to this case is asked to contact Emma Ternent at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office on 0191 279 0092 or email Emma.Ternent@IrwinMitchell.com.

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