Asbestos-case widow seeks help

THE family of a Sheffield cancer victim are appealing for witnesses to support their claim for compensation.Widow Joan Stothard, of Occupation Lane, Hackenthorpe, believes her husband George contracted incurable asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma between 1970 and 1996 while he was a sewerage worker with Sheffield Council in its former guise as Sheffield Corporation.She alleges that while based at its Olive Grove depot he came into contact with asbestos when excavating underground pipework insulated with asbestos lagging, . "My husband worked alongside colleagues excavating damaged heating and water pipes running from boiler houses close to estates," she said. "His job involved exposing the pipework so that it could be repaired or replaced by fitters.""When it was exposed the lagging was often found to be in a poor condition after being buried underground for a long time. It easily crumbled when disturbed, covering George's overalls and causing him to inhale the dust while he removed and disposed of the pipes."No protective facemasks were provided and no warnings of the dangers involved were ever given."Mr Stothard was 62 when he died on February 21, 2004, leaving four children and 14 grandchildren, four months after being diagnosed.He began showing symptoms of mesothelioma in June 2003 after he experienced breathing difficulties. His doctor arranged for various tests at the Royal Hallamshire Hospital in October 2003.The results were conclusive and he remained in hospital until early November undergoing further treatment.He was admitted again in February 2004 for surgery to drain fluid from his lungs. Mr Stothard was discharged three days later and died at home later that month.His widow's solicitor, Martyn Hayward, of Sheffield-based Irwin Mitchell, who is now preparing court proceedings against the Corporation, said: "Mr Stothard worked with many colleagues during his 25 years with Sheffield Corporation, many of whom might also have been exposed to deadly asbestos while carrying out similar duties."The family is convinced his exposure to asbestos dust and fibres at work led to his death. We are hoping to trace George's colleagues who can provide further information about the materials that were used in these products and help Mrs Stothard and her family start rebuilding their lives."In addition, we'd also be interested to hear from anyone who worked at the Corporation who might be able to provide information, even if they didn't know George."Mesothelioma affects the membrane lining the chest. Diagnosis is made on the basis of clinical features, X-rays, symptoms of breathlessness, chest pain and a history of asbestos exposure. Symptoms first appear within 10 to 40 years, although there is no upper limit. The condition is invariably terminal.Other asbestos conditions include lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques. The dangers of asbestosis have been known about since the 1930s and employers since this period should have been aware of the risks to workers' health.A council spokesman said: "The council has denied liability on the basis that there is no evidence that Mr Stoth-ard was exposed to asbestos during the course of his em-ployment with us."It will now be a matter for the court to decide whether the council has any liability in this case."He added that the council would always scrutinise claims against it carefully. Unless there was clear evid-ence of liability, claims would be defended and the council's case put to the court.Mr Hayward asks anyone able to help to contact him at Irwin Mitchell on 0870 1500 100.emma.dunlop@ypn.co.uk