Dad With Mesothelioma Instructs Lawyers To Secure Answers

A former labourer battling terminal asbestos-related cancer has launched High Court legal action against his former employers. 

Joe Hair, of Marley Pots, Sunderland, has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer usually of the lining of the lung linked to asbestos exposure, often decades earlier. 

Sunderland construction worker asks lawyers to investigate his asbestos exposure

Following his diagnosis the 71-year-old instructed expert asbestos-related disease lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate whether the disease could be linked to his work history. 

Joe’s legal team have now issued legal proceedings against Sunderland-based Webster Davidson & Co Limited and Corning Ltd. 

It is suspected that the dad-of-three was exposed to asbestos while working for the firms as a labourer between 1973 and 1977 and 1977 and 1983 respectively. 

Joe and legal team appeal for information on his former employers

Joe and his legal team are appealing for people with information about working conditions at the firms to come forward with information. 

Emma Bell is the specialist asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Joe.

Expert Opinion

“Joe’s diagnosis is yet another reminder of the dreadful legacy asbestos has created with the effects often only known years after exposure is believed to have occurred.

“Joe and his family remain devastated by his diagnosis and what it may mean for the future. While nothing can make up for his illness and the uncertainty Joe now faces, we’re determined to provide him and his loved ones with the answers they deserve and help Joe access specialist support and treatment.

“Through our investigations we suspect that Joe was exposed to asbestos during his time working for these companies. Therefore, as part of our investigations we’d like to hear from anyone who remembers Joe from his time at Webster Davidson or Corning Ltd or who has information about working conditions at the companies.

“In the meantime, we call on the firms to work with us to resolve this case as quickly as possible allowing Joe to concentrate on spending time with his family.” Emma Bell

Mesothelioma: Joe Hair's story

During his time at Webster Davidson Joe would mix cement on building sites across the region, including supermarket construction sites. Joe believes the cement may have contained asbestos and he would breathe in dust that was created. 

Part of his role would also involve cutting corrugated asbestos roofing sheets at the firm’s factory in Low Southwick, Sunderland.    

In 1977 Joe left Webster Davidson for Corning Ltd and was based at the company’s glass factory on the Pallion Industrial Estate, Sunderland. 

Joe would load glass products onto crates which he had to line with what he believed was asbestos sheeting. He would also have to dress in heat protective clothing, including gloves, a jacket and hat while handling hot glass products. In court papers, Irwin Mitchell argues this clothing contained asbestos and was in a poor condition, meaning hazardous fibres would be released. 

Joe would also use an ‘asbestos bat’ to carry hot glass products from which asbestos fibres would also be released, his legal team argue.

The factory was very dusty and at the end of a shift workers had to sweep up dust ready for the next shift to start, Joe said. 

During both jobs Joe said he was not provided with any personal protective equipment nor warned of the dangers of asbestos, court papers say.

Webster Davidson & Co Limited ceased trading in 1981.

Joe reveals impact of mesothelioma as he appeals for information 

Joe, who until a couple of years ago lived with his long-term partner, Kath, attended a lung cancer screening scan in March 2024 during which a build-up of fluid was identified. Following further tests he was diagnosed with mesothelioma the following month.  

Joe said: “When I went for routine lung cancer screening, I never imagined the events that would unfold. I thought I was relatively fit and healthy so I never expected to be told I had cancer.

“It was even more of a shock when the doctors asked whether I’d encountered asbestos during my work. 

“I’d never heard of mesothelioma before my diagnosis but living with it and reading more about it I now know how dreadful it is. I’m looking at various treatment options and I’m determined to spend as much time as I can with my family but it’s difficult knowing what the future may hold. 

“I’m trying to remain strong but I am suffering more with breathlessness and can no longer do some of the things I used to enjoy. I was always very active, walking everywhere and enjoyed visiting my local social club to meet friends but I struggle to walk as much now.

“I know nothing can turn the clock back but the least I deserve is answers regarding my asbestos exposure.”  

How you can help Joe

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

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