Exposed to asbestos dust at work
Lawyers acting for a lorry driver from Stratford who died a tragic and painful death from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma are working alongside his widow in a desperate attempt to trace the insurers and secure the compensation the family deserves.
William Marler, who died in the Queen Elizabeth Hospital in July 2006 aged just 68, worked from 1964 – 1967 for R V Chuck (Transport) Ltd. Based in Rosher Road, Stratford, Mr Marler worked as a lorry driver, regularly driving to Millwall to collect asbestos and take it to the now infamous Cape factory in Watford.
As he was unloading his lorry, Mr Marler would have been exposed to the asbestos fibres blowing around in the air at the Cape factory. The exceptionally high asbestos mortality rate in this part of London illustrates just how hard the area has been hit by the legacy of Cape Asbestos, the industrial killing machine that used to be in Harts Lane. The fact is that mesothelioma can be contracted by inhaling only a very small amount of asbestos. In Mr Marler’s case, it was enough to cause an illness which brought about his death years later.
Appeal for help from asbestos victim's family
William Marler’s widow, Jenny Ayers - who kept her maiden name - explains: “My life will never be the same as it was when he was alive. I cannot replace William who would still be here today but for the negligence of his employer.”
“No one should have to suffer the way William suffered and I will fight for justice on his behalf. I cannot believe that R V Chuck had such a poor view of health and safety that they continued to expose my husband to asbestos when they knew of the risks or ought to have known of the risks that were involved.”
Thompsons Solicitors, who specialise in asbestos-related diseases, needs to trace William Marler’s co-workers at RV Chuck to support a claim for compensation for his devastated widow and the family he has left behind.
Kim Bouwer, from Thompsons Solicitors in London, explains: “Because the company has long since ceased trading, the only way we can get compensation for Ms Ayers and Mr Marler's family, is to find the insurer for RV Chuck at the time when he was exposed to asbestos.”
“Mesothelioma is a terrible illness caused by employers’ disregard for their workers’ lives. Asbestos-related diseases will cause 10,000 deaths a year by 2010 and will be the biggest industrial killer of all time. It is important that we trace William Marler’s co-workers, not because compensation will make up for his death, but to ensure that those people who forced him to work in such deadly conditions pay for what they did.”
If you worked for R V Chuck during the 60s, 70s, 80s or 90s, or if you have family or friends who did, please contact Kim Bouwer at Thompsons in London on 0207 290 0061.
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