Family of Leicester workman appeal for his colleagues to get in touch
Lawyers representing the family of a former Leicester workman are appealing for his colleagues to get in touch after he died from an asbestos-related cancer.
Thompsons Solicitors is calling for anyone who worked at Constone, based in Wigston and George Shaw, based in Birtsall to help them with their enquiries.
Harry Pole, known as Jim, died, aged 78, in January 2008, from cancer of the lining of the lung mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos and there is no cure. Many sufferers live just months following diagnosis.
Victim was exposed to asbestos at work
Jim worked at Constone from 1956 to 1957. The company made concrete and asbestos slabs.
Between 1960 and 1988 he worked for George Shaw. The company made asbestos sheds and garages.
In both jobs Jim handled asbestos products.
Jim, who had two adopted children and three grandchildren, was married for 52 years to his childhood sweetheart Mary.
Solicitors need information about Jim's past working environment
Jim’s family are now pursuing compensation for his death but their solicitors need more details about the environment he worked in to support his claim.
His wife, Mary said: “Five years ago we moved to a small bungalow to live out our remaining years together. Those years have sadly been brought short. It is heartbreaking to think I would still have my wonderful husband with me, as he was such a fit, healthy, strong man, until this horrible disease turned him into a pain-racked shell of his former self. Our only consolation is that he died at home with the arms of his loved ones around him.
“It is important to the whole family that we are able to trace the people who worked alongside Jim to find out more about his working conditions."
Reuben Greenwood, the Pole family’s lawyer said: “Mesothelioma is a terrible illness caused exposure to asbestos. Asbestos-related diseases will cause 10,000 deaths a year by 2010 and will be the biggest industrial killer of all time.
“It is important we build up an accurate picture of Mr Pole’s working history including his time at both these companies.
If you worked at Constone based in Wigston or for George Shaw, based in Birstal in the 1950’s, 1960’s or 1970’s or have family or friends who did, please contact Reuben Greenwood at Thompsons on 08000 224 224.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.
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