The widow of a former London construction worker who died after being diagnosed with asbestos-related cancer is appealing for information from anyone who worked alongside him and may have knowledge of the working conditions he was exposed to.
David Darby, 65, who was originally from Kings Cross, before moving later in life to Mid-Wales, was diagnosed with mesothelioma—an aggressive and incurable cancer caused by exposure to asbestos—in February 2022.
Despite undergoing treatment, Mr Darby’s condition deteriorated, and he sadly passed away on 5th October 2022.
Following his diagnosis and before his death, he instructed Thompsons Solicitors to investigate a claim for compensation in relation to his asbestos exposure. In discussions with his legal team, he spoke about his career, including working for Kingwall Contracts Ltd, a company specialising in partitioning.
At the time, Mr Darby recalled working on a project at BP Tower in Moorgate, London, between 1977 and 1981, during which he frequently returned to BP’s head office to install specially designed partitions. He later told his family that this work regularly involved cutting and drilling asbestos sheeting, without proper protection or awareness of the associated dangers.
His family is now appealing for former colleagues or others who may have worked on similar contracts and can provide further details about the use of asbestos and the working conditions at the time.
His widow, Susan Darby, said: “Losing David has been incredibly difficult. He was exposed to something deadly simply by going to work and doing his job.
Susan is now working with industrial disease specialists at Thompsons Solicitors. The legal team is particularly keen to hear from anyone who worked at BP Tower in Moorgate between 1977 and 1981—whether employed by Kingwall Contracts Ltd or other contractors—who may recall the working environment and the presence of asbestos on site.
Amanda Jones, Head of Asbestos and the family’s solicitor from Thompsons, said: “Mr Darby’s family is looking to speak to workers who spent time at BP Tower and came into contact with asbestos, whether this was with Kingwall or any other employer. We would particularly like to hear from anyone involved in partitioning or general construction work at the site during the late 1970s and early 1980s who may know about asbestos use at that time.”
Anyone with information can contact Amanda Jones at Thompsons Solicitors on 01554 779940 or via email at amandajones@thompsons.law.