Loved Ones Ask Legal Team To Help Secure Answers After Death Of Beloved Husband and Father

The devastated family of a Bristol labourer killed at work have asked lawyers to investigate.

Paul Oakley was fatally injured when he was crushed by a falling wall while working at the University of Bristol’s halls of residence located on Parry’s Lane. The 64-year-old, who was working alongside his son, Sam, had been tasked with dismantling and rebuilding a stone wall on the site.

Devastated family contacts workplace accident lawyers

Following Paul’s death on 4 September, 2024, his loved ones, including widow Betty Oakley, instructed specialist workplace accident lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to help them obtain answers.

The family are now joining their legal team in sharing Paul’s story ahead of Workers’ Memorial Day.

Ehlana Penwarden is the workplace accident expert at Irwin Mitchell representing Paul’s loved ones.

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“Understandably, coming to terms with losing Paul so suddenly and in such tragic circumstances continues to have a profound effect on his family.

“The family have found the past seven months incredibly difficult.

“Paul’s loved ones have a number of questions and concerns over what happened, which we’re now investigating.

“While nothing will make up for their loss, we’re determined to help them establish the answers they deserve to help honour Paul’s memory. Ehlana Penwarden

Workplace accident: Paul Oakley's story

Paul and Sam were working for Aztech Building Services Limited when they were tasked with rebuilding the wall.  Paul was in the process of dismantling the wall when, without warning, it collapsed.  Paul fell and was crushed by the stones.  He died instantly.

At the time of his death, Paul had worked for Aztech for 18 months.   

He had been married to Betty for 16 years. 

Widow pays tribute to 'amazing husband and dad'

Betty said: “Paul was my soul mate and for him to ripped away from me in such a cruel way is something I’ll struggle with for the rest of my life.

“I’ll never forget the feeling of shock and emptiness when I was told he had died.  He’d gone off to work with Sam as normal, but he never returned.

“Paul was the most amazing husband and dad, and I would give anything to have him back by my side.  Some days I still wake up hoping that it’s all been a horrible nightmare, but then the reality quickly dawns on me again.

“While I know nothing can change what’s happened, I feel like I need answers for Paul.  It’s the least he and our family deserve.”

A separate Health and Safety investigation is under way into the incident.

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