Lawyers Instructed To Investigate How Man Who Died Of Mesothelioma Was Exposed To Hazardous Material

The partner of a former Redcar scaffolder has instructed lawyers to investigate his death from asbestos-related cancer. 

Michael Sladek died just weeks after falling ill. Doctors suspected his illness was a result of exposure to asbestos. 

However, it was only five months after the 65-year-old’s death that an inquest confirmed he died of mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer of the lining of the lung, usually related to asbestos exposure decades previously. 

Michael's partner asks lawyers to secure answers over his asbestos cancer death

Following Michael’s death, his partner Lynn Mitchell, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to establish answers regarding how her partner was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.

Lynn, aged 65, has now joined her legal team in appealing to Michael’s ex-workmates to come forward with information about the conditions he faced in his career. 

Appeal for information on employers

They are particularly keen to trace anyone who worked with Michael in the 1970s and 1980s when he was in his 20s and employed as a scaffolder. At the time he worked for Tarmac Construction Ltd and GKN Mills Building Services Ltd. 

Emma Bell is the expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Lynn.

Expert Opinion

“Michael’s death is another terrible reminder of the legacy asbestos has created. What’s particularly upsetting for Lynn is not only the speed at which Michael’s condition deteriorated, but that he was also relatively young to die from mesothelioma.

“While nothing can make up for Lynn’s loss, we’re determined to provide her with the answers she deserves.

“If any of Michael’s former workmates could come forward with information, it would mean a lot to Lynn and could provide her with the closure she’s hoping for.” Emma Bell

Mesothelioma: Michael Sladek's story

Michael went straight into scaffolding after leaving school. He was employed by Tarmac Construction between 1975 and 1977 before working for GKN Mills Building Services from 1977 to 1984. 

He worked at various sites across the country erecting scaffolding. He said he would often have to knock through pipework and walls, which he believed may have been lagged in and contained asbestos respectively, to make scaffolding rigs fit. 

Michael, who went on to be an estate manager looking after exotic birds, started suffering with symptoms including breathlessness in November 2023. He was sent straight to A&E by his GP. 

Michael was admitted to hospital and did not return home. He had fluid drained from his lungs and a biopsy while in hospital. Michael sadly died in December 2023.

Lynn's tribute to partner as she asks his workmates for information

Lynn, a retired caterer, said: “Michael was a wonderful partner and my best friend. He was fun, loving, kind and considerate. While he enjoyed playing pool with his friends and in his younger years playing football, it was just us and we were each other’s worlds. We loved going on holidays together.

“It was awful seeing his condition deteriorate over the last few weeks. Everything seemed to move so quickly that it felt like we didn’t get to say goodbye properly. 

“To be then told five months later that Michael had mesothelioma came as a real shock. Michael still had so many years to live, and we had so many plans for the future, but he was cruelly taken from me too soon. 

“The hardest thing to accept is that I still have so many unanswered questions about how Michael contracted mesothelioma. It was only afterwards when researching the disease that I learned just how horrible it is. 

“I know nothing will ever bring Michael back but I feel I owe it to him to at least find out where he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life.”

How you can help

Anyone with information about the working conditions Michael faced should contact Stephanie Denham at Irwin Mitchell on 0191 434 0731 or by email at Stephanie.Denham@IrwinMitchell.com

Find out more about our expertise in supporting families affected by mesothelioma and others asbestos diseases at our dedicated asbestos-related disease claims section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.