Family And Lawyers Seek Information Regarding Former Employer

The family of a Menston man who died late last year from asbestos-related cancer have joined with specialist lawyers to call on his former workmates to come forward with vital information regarding how he may have developed the illness.

Robert Sanderson died aged 87 on October 31st last year, around four months after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, the cancer of the lining of the lung which is commonly associated with asbestos exposure.

Robert was known to his family and friends as Bob.

Shortly before his death, Bob instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office to investigate how his illness emerged.

Following his passing the legal experts have continued their work on behalf of his family and are now launching an appeal for more information regarding the conditions he may have faced during his time as a labourer at Thompson & Walker Ltd between 1960 and 1995.

Thompson & Walker Ltd had a factory at Guiseley but Bob worked in the maintenance department and worked on various sites for the company.

Oliver Collett, the specialist lawyer at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office who is acting for Bob’s family, said:

Expert Opinion

“This is a truly devastating case which highlights the swift impact that asbestos disease can have on victims, with Bob passing away just months after his diagnosis of mesothelioma was confirmed.”

“We need further evidence regarding Bob’s exposure. As such, we would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to come forward and provide some further information regarding the presence of asbestos at the site. Any detail could make a huge difference in our efforts to help this family gain justice.” Oliver Collett - Partner

Before his death, Irwin Mitchell’s asbestos-related disease lawyers heard from Bob how his work as a labourer often involved stripping asbestos lagging off pipework and then reapplying it. He also stated that during such work he would never be provided with safety equipment such as gloves or a face mask.

John, Bob’s son, said: “It is only a few months since Dad died and all of us miss him so much. It was very difficult to see how quickly the illness took hold of him and we simply feel we deserve answers regarding how this happened.

“We would be hugely grateful to anyone who may be able to come forward and shed light on the working conditions that he would have faced, as such detail could prove so important to our efforts.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Oliver Collett at Irwin Mitchell’s Leeds office on 0113 394 6784 or email Oliver.Collett@IrwinMitchell.com.

Read more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in mesothelioma cases.