Widow seeks 'justice' in asbestos claim (From Kidderminster Shuttle)

Widow seeks 'justice' in asbestos claim

7:20am Tuesday 9th February 2010

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THE widow of a Kidderminster man who died after being exposed to asbestos has appealed for his former work colleagues to help in her legal battle for justice.

Roger Burgess, 58, is believed to have been exposed to asbestos while working at the former Round Oak Steelworks, now the Merry Hill shopping centre, for 12 years from the late 1960s.

His widow, Jackie, has now launched a legal battle to fulfil her husband’s dying wish of getting compensation for his death.

She has also launched a search for Mr Burgess’s former colleagues who, she hopes, will be able to shed more light on how he came into contact with asbestos dust.

Mr Burgess was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of cancer, in September, 2008 and died four months later. An inquest into his death last August recorded a verdict of industrial disease.

While working at steelworks, the father of two was not given a mask or other breathing equipment , despite working among furnaces believed to have been lined with asbestos.

In a written statement made shortly before his death, Mr Burgess described the steelworks as a “dirty, dusty place to work in.”

It is believed the dust Mr Burgess and his colleagues were exposed to daily might have contained asbestos.

Mrs Burgess said that before his illness, her husband was in full time employment and enjoyed an active life. She added that his death had left a “huge hole” in the family.

She added: “He was always healthy and lived life to the full. He went to gym two to three times a week, played golf and swam regularly. This all changed when he became unwell.

“That’s why his illness came as such a shock to us. He wasn’t himself and it wasn’t his time to go.”

Iain Shoolbred, of law firm, Irwin Mitchell, representing the family in their compensation claim, said he needed any information possible to find justice for Mrs Burgess and her family.

“If anyone has information it is crucial that they come forward to help with these inquiries,” he added.

“Round Oaks employed thousands of men and women over the years and it would be helpful to speak to anyone who may have information.”

Anyone who worked with Mr Burgess at Round Oak Steelworks and has information about the presence of asbestos should email Mr Schoolbred, at iain.schoolbred@irwinmitchell.com, or call him, on 0870 1500 100.

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