Joseph Pearson worked for a number of firms in Ellesmere Port between the 1950s and 90s
The daughter of an Ellesmere Port man who died from an asbestos disease is asking his former colleagues to contact Thompsons Solicitors with information about working conditions.
Joseph Pearson died in April 2017, aged 85, after developing asbestosis, which caused breathing issues and chest pain.
He worked as a painter at the Stanlow Oil Refinery between 1950 and 1965, before taking the same role at the Vauxhall assembly plant in Ellesmere Port until 1970. Joseph also worked as a painter, decorator and sign writer for Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council between 1970 and 1997, where he worked across several sites.
Following Joseph’s death, his daughter, Elaine, turned to asbestos specialists Thompsons Solicitors, who hope to help her make a compensation claim.
Joseph Pearson, who died after developing asbestiosis
“My dad suffered because of a completely avoidable disease,” she said. “It was horrible for our family to see his health deteriorate like it did before he died.
“My family would be really grateful if any of my dad’s former colleagues could get in touch with Thompsons Solicitors, so we can find out when and why he was exposed to asbestos during his career.”
According to the Health and Safety Executive, thousands die each year of asbestos diseases, such as asbestosis, pleural thickening and mesothelioma. The number of asbestos-related deaths is expected to peak in 2020 before slowly declining.
Thompsons Solicitors is one of the UK’s leading firm of asbestos solicitors, bringing the first-ever successful asbestos disease compensation claim to the House of Lords in 1972. The expert law firm is currently highlighting how asbestos has left a devastating legacy in communities across the UK with its #PastButPresent campaign.
Helen Templeton, of Thompsons Solicitors, added: “Joseph’s story is sad but, unfortunately, not rare. Asbestos has a devastating legacy across the UK, causing thousands of families unnecessary suffering and distress in recent decades.
“While we cannot reverse the effects of asbestos, our team of specialists can help families like Joseph’s to understand how he was exposed to the substance. But, to do this we need the help of his former colleagues. If you or someone you know can assist our investigation, please do get in touch urgently.”
Anyone with information about the working conditions at the Stanlow Oil Refinery, Vauxhall Ellesmere Port, or at sites operated by Ellesmere Port and Neston Borough Council, can get in touch with Helen Templeton at Thompsons Solicitors on 0151 224 1617 or email her at helentempleton@thompsons.law.co.uk.
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.