Information Sought On Sir William Halcrow After Lawyers Instructed To Investigate Dad’s Mesothelioma Death

The sons of a former civil engineer from Surrey are appealing to their dad’s former colleagues for help following his death from asbestos-related cancer.

Ian Tatman died from mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lung associated with exposure to asbestos often decades previously.

Specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers instructed to investigate

Following their dad’s death aged 84, Ian’s sons, Steve and Bryan Tatman, instructed specialist asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate their dad’s illness and if it was linked to his work history. 

Steve and Bryan have now joined with their legal team to appeal to their dad’s old workmates to come forward with details on the work conditions he would have faced.

They are keen to trace anyone who worked with Ian while he was employed as a civil engineer at Sir William Halcrow and Partners in London for 38 years, from 1960 until he retired in 1998. The company now known as Halcrow Group Limited is still trading.

Lacey St. James is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell supporting Steve and Bryan.

Expert Opinion

“Ian’s mesothelioma diagnosis and subsequent death just over a year later is another reminder of the terrible legacy asbestos has created.

“While nothing can bring Ian back to his family, we’re determined to do all we can to support them as they seek the truth about a much-loved husband and dad’s asbestos exposure.

“Ian worked for the same firm for a nearly four decades, so his sons are hopeful that someone will remember him and be able to come forward with their recollections. Any details could prove vital in giving Ian’s family the answers and closure they deserve.” Lacey St James

Mesothelioma: Ian’s story

While at university, Ian undertook a work placement at Sir William Halcrow and Partners, to get a better understanding of his subject and his plans for a career. The work placement led to a full-time role with the firm as a civil engineer. Ian worked at the firm for the entirety of his working life.

Prior to his death, Ian told his sons he believed he came into contact with asbestos when out on site. Ian said he completed several jobs on the London Underground for various tube networks as well as for other well-known national clients.

Ian said he was often in the vicinity of workers removing and replacing cables lagged with what he believed was asbestos, as he would be required to examine them and deal with the surveying and engineering side of the projects he was sent to work on.

Ian married his wife Maureen in 1962 and the couple had two sons. Sadly, Maureen died in 2012.

In his spare time, Ian remained very active prior to his diagnosis and continued to take part in archery, walking and travelling.

Ian had always enjoyed good health until he began to experience pain in his right shoulder and chest pains in March 2021. Following a consultation with his GP and tests, Ian was diagnosed with mesothelioma in July 2021. He died with his sons by his side in September 2022.

Son pays tribute to an amazing man

Steve said: “Dad was an amazing man who loved spending time with mum and the wider family. Dad was always so active, and to see him decline in the lead-up to and following his mesothelioma diagnosis was really difficult for all of us.

“Dad wanted to find out more about his asbestos exposure but we ran out of time. His health was failing and it was more important to all of us to spend as much time together in those final months as we could.

“Bryan and I now think the time is right to perform this last service for dad and try to find out how he came to be exposed to asbestos. We know a lot of time has passed, but dad worked for the firm for nearly 40 years, so we’re hoping someone will remember him and be able to help us.

“It would mean a lot to hear from some of dad’s former colleagues and we’d really appreciate anything more they can tell us about his working life.”

Anyone with information that could help Steve and his brother is asked to contact Lacey St James at Irwin Mitchell on 0203 040 3445 or by e-mail at lacey.stjames@irwinmitchell.com

Workers’ Memorial Day is on 28 April and this year’s theme is Occupational health and safety: A fundamental right at work.

Find out more about our expertise in handling asbestos-related disease cases at the dedicated section on our website. Alternatively, to speak to an expert, contact us or call 0808 271 9815.