Niece Asks Lawyers To Investigate Where Uncle Who Died Of Mesothelioma Was Exposed To Hazardous Material

The family of a former Sheffield maintenance worker are appealing for information to establish where he was exposed to the asbestos that claimed his life. 

Brian Swallow died of mesothelioma, a terminal form of cancer, usually of the lining of the lung. It is associated with exposure to asbestos, usually decades previously.  

The 89-year-old was unaware he had the “devastating illness” which was only diagnosed during a post-mortem examination. An inquest in February 2024 concluded that Brian, of Deepcar, Sheffield, died as a result of industrial disease.

Brian's family asks lawyers to investigate his asbestos exposure

Following Brian’s death, his niece Melanie Bennett, 55, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to further investigate his asbestos exposure.

Melanie and her legal team are now appealing to Brian’s former workmates to come forward with information to establish where he was exposed to asbestos during his career. 

Expert Opinion

“Melanie remains deeply upset by Brian’s death, especially the circumstances surrounding it.

“Mesothelioma is a devastating illness and we continue to see too many families who have been torn apart because of it. Melanie hopes that by sharing her family's story it highlights the consequences of asbestos exposure and the need for employers to ensure the safety of workers.

“While the inquest has answered some of Melanie’s questions, she still has a number of concerns as to where and why Brian was exposed to the hazardous material.

“Nothing can make up for the pain Brian endured and Melanie’s loss, but we’re determined to at least provide Melanie with the answers she deserves.

“We’re urging Brian’s ex-workmates to come forward with information to help Melanie honour her uncle’s memory by establishing exactly how he was exposed.” Nick Woods

Brian's work history

In the 1970s Brian worked as a roofer, including for housebuilders. Part of his role was to cut insulation board which may have contained asbestos. Melanie said Brian would also work near laggers applying insulation to pipework. 

In the 1980s Brian worked as a ceiling fixer. It’s understood Brian, who was married to Eileen for more than 40 years until her death in 2008, could also have been exposed to asbestos when maintaining and repairing ceiling tiles which may have contained asbestos. Melanie believes her uncle may also have worked in ceiling voids near to insulation. 

In August 2023, Brian started suffering symptoms including shortness of breath and increased fatigue. 

He was admitted to hospital and died in September 2023. 

Melanie appeals to her uncle's former workmates for help following asbestos exposure

Melanie said: “Brian was a lovely and caring man. He and my aunty didn’t have any children of their own but they doted on me growing up. 

“We were incredibly close as a family and it was like they were my second parents. Nothing was ever too much trouble for them. 

“When Brian started suffering with his symptoms we knew he was poorly, however, nothing prepared us for how quickly he deteriorated. 

“It was awful seeing his condition deteriorate before us. He went from the strong and independent uncle I knew to a shadow of himself. Everything seemed to move so quickly that it felt like we didn’t get to say goodbye properly. 

“To be then told he’d had mesothelioma came as a real shock. The hardest thing to accept is that we still have so many unanswered questions about how Brian contracted mesothelioma. 

“Brian was a huge part of my life and 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 Brian faced should contact Nick Woods at Irwin Mitchell on 0114 274 4292 or by e-mail at nick.woods@irwinmitchell.com

Find out more about Irwin Mitchell's expertise in supporting people and families affected by asbestos exposure at our dedicated asbestos-related disease section. Alternatively, to speak to an expert contact us or call 0370 1500 100.