Asbestos Lawyer, Mesothelioma Attorney
Railway Labourer exposed to Asbestos Dust Contracted Asbestos-Related Lung Disease Mesothelioma Sues
A former railway labourer, who was exposed to asbestos dust at work and has contracted the fatal asbestos-related lung disease mesothelioma, is hoping his former colleagues can come forward to help him make a compensation claim against his former employers.
Colin Ridley, 35, of Grange Lane in Acomb, York is one of the youngest people to contract the disease.
He is claiming that his employers, an employment agency whose details he cannot recall, were negligent in letting him work amongst asbestos dust without protective clothing when he was a labourer in a re-fitting yard at the ABB Carriageworks, York between October 1990 and February 1991.
Colin moved to Australia in 1998 and was returning home to York for his mother's 70th birthday in February 2003 when, days before his flight, he was diagnosed with the disease.
"I had a few jobs in and around York," says Colin Ridley, "including working at a garden centre and various bar jobs, but I was never exposed to asbestos there.
"But when I was labouring on a re-fit in a paint shop at ABB Coachworks my work involved clearing lots of dust. I have since learned that the pits where we worked, which were sunk into the ground, probably entered areas where lots of asbestos had been dumped years before. We weren't given masks or goggles to wear.
"If people who worked with me can help me with statements to describe the working conditions then I can make my compensation claim and help my girlfriend and parents financially," says Colin Ridley.
Ian Bailey, partner at national law firm Irwin Mitchell, acts for Mr Ridley. He says: "This is a particularly tragic case because Colin is so young and so very ill. He has already had one lung removed and the prognosis is poor.
"Mesothelioma is most usually contracted from exposure to asbestos and Colin's only recollection of this type of dust is from when he worked at the carriageworks. To make a successful compensation claim, which is the least Colin deserves, we need witnesses who can describe the working conditions there when Colin was working on the re-fit.
"We appeal to people who worked at ABB in 1990 and 1991 to help us. If anyone can help they should contact me at Irwin Mitchell on 0870 1500 100."
Mesothelioma Information
Mesothelioma asbestos is a rare type of cancer affecting the mesothelial tissue lining of three large body cavities. There are three distinct types of malignant mesothelioma: pleural mesothelioma, peritoneal mesothelioma and pericardial mesothelioma. The causes of mesothelioma have been limited to prolonged asbestos exposure and mesothelioma treatment options have shown limited success in containing the fatal disease.
Most mesothelioma research focuses on the development and implementation of new chemotherapy drugs such as Alimta (pemetrexed), Onconase and Veglin.
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma cancer, contact a mesothelioma attorney or asbestos lawyer to get information about your right to compensation.