Can you get him justice from the grave..?
LOVED ones are helping former brake fitter George Highmoor fight justice from the grave after he died from an asbestos related cancer.
And they have taken a vital step forward after lawyers issued court proceedings against one of his former employers.
The 81-year-old was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July las year - the condition is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos decades before symptoms appear.
George, of Gosforth, Newcastle, died in January.
But before he did he instructed asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate how and where he was exposed to the harmful dust and fibres and whether more could have been done to protect him.
Prior to his death, the legal team issued formal High Court proceedings against Firestone Tyre and Rubber Co Limited, one of George’s former employers, after it refused to admit responsibility for his illness.
Now, George’s family has taken over his case and is continuing to pursue his former employer.
And they are appealing to excolleagues who worked with him during 1968 and 1969 at the Firestone workshop on Pump Street, in Blackburn, Lancashire, to come forward.
While working there, George believed he was exposed to asbestos when trimming the sides of brake linings, which created a high amount of dust which lingered in the air.
Before his death, he told his legal team he was not warned about the dangers of asbestos or provided with overalls or protective equipment, such as a facemask.
Lilian Mount, who is the sister of George’s partner, Fred Dudding, said: It was incredibly difficult to see how George’s health deteriorated so quickly in his final few months of life.
“His death has left me and the rest of the family with so many unanswered questions and I just want to know how he came to be exposed to asbestos and whether more should have been done to protect him from the risks.
“I urge anyone who has information that could be relevant and helpful to my legal team to get in touch as soon as possible.”
Roger Maddocks, a partner and industrial disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell, representing the family, said: “Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer, caused by exposure to asbestos dust decades ago, which can cause a great deal of pain and suffering for victims like George.
“We are working with George’s family in their fight for justice to find out how he was exposed to asbestos, and why his employer did not provide him with the appropriate protective clothing or equipment despite the dangers being known for many years prior to his employment.
“We urge any of George’s former colleagues at the Firestone workshop in Blackburn to come forward with any information they have about the working conditions at the workshop in 1968 and 1969.”
Firestone Tyre and Rubber Co Limited is no longer in operation but George’s solicitors says the claim falls on the insurers of the firm at the time of George’s employment.
Anyone with information should contact Sonia Akram 0191 279 0719 or email Sonia. Akram@IrwinMitchell.com.