Thompsons Solicitors is supporting an appeal for information following the death of a man from an asbestos disease.
A Sunderland man is appealing to former colleagues of his late father, an HGV driver who died from an asbestos disease, to help piece together information about his former employment.
Richard Brown, also known as Dickie, died in April 2015 after developing mesothelioma, a type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure that affects the lining of the lungs.
He worked as a HGV driver between 1968 and 1977, initially for British Road Services, but was also employed by R Clifford Limited and Golightly Group Transport Limited. As well as transporting goods across the UK, Richard would assist colleagues with loading and unloading items.
Richard Brown, Thompsons Solicitors’ client
“My dad’s illness developed so quickly, it was shocking,” said his son, Martin. “We never had a chance to speak to him about asbestos and whether he was exposed to it when he was younger.”
Martin contacted Thompsons Solicitors after his father’s death to investigate a mesothelioma compensation claim on his dad’s behalf. He is now appealing to those who worked with his dad at British Road Services, R Clifford Limited and Golightly Group Transport Limited to share any information they have about his working conditions.
“He worked for a few different employers during the late 1960s and 1970s, but in each case he did the same job,” Martin said. “I’m confident there are people out there who would have worked with him and have more information about his exposure to asbestos than we do. Any clarity would be appreciated by our family.”
“Mesothelioma is a terrible disease that sadly affects thousands of people like Martin’s dad, Richard, every year. As it can take decades after asbestos exposure before symptoms of the disease become apparent it’s important to trace his former colleagues to identify how and when he was exposed to asbestos.”Tim Hayward Thompsons Solicitors
Martin is now appealing to those who worked with his dad at British Road Services, R Clifford Limited and Golightly Group Transport Limited to share any information they have about his working conditions.
Can you help?
Anyone who worked with Richard at British Road Services between 1968 and 1971, at R Clifford Limited between 1968 and 1976, and at Golightly Group Transport Limited between 1975 and 1977, or has information about exposure to asbestos during this time, should contact Tim Hayward at Thompsons Solicitors’ Newcastle office on 01912 690 623.
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.