Stoke Family Battles For Justice After Builder’s Death From Mesothelioma
14/02/2011
The family of a Staffordshire builder, who died aged just 51 from mesothelioma, has launched a search for former colleagues who may be able to help in their battle for justice.
Ian Rosson from Bradeley in Stoke-on-Trent, tragically passed away on 30 May 2008, just weeks after being diagnosed with the asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma.
Mr Rosson, who had suffered from breathlessness for several years, leaves behind his wife of more than 30 years Susan, as well as two sons and three grandchildren.
An inquest into Mr Rosson’s death, held on 31st July 2008 before HM Coroner for Stoke-on-Trent and North Staffs, Ian Smith, recorded a verdict of industrial disease and now his family have expressed their determination to secure justice.
The family has made a plea for any ex-workmates of Mr Rosson, who may be able to provide additional information regarding working conditions at a number of building sites where he worked.
Mr Rosson worked as a labourer for two local builders, working for Toft Johnson Construction Ltd, based in Chesterton, near Newcastle-under-Lyme, between 1974 and 1977. During that time he was involved in building and refurbishment works on a number of sites, including local schools. He also worked at various ceramic firms in the Pot Banks area of Stoke.
In the early 1980s, Mr Rosson worked for F Clay & Sons contractors based in Wolverhampton Road, Stafford. The firm employed more than 200 people and undertook local council work, contracting out their employees to renovate schools and other council-owned buildings. Both firms have since ceased trading.
Iain Shoolbred, an industrial illness solicitor from Irwin Mitchell, who is representing Mr Rosson’s family in their asbestos claim, said: “Mesothelioma is an asbestos related cancer for which there is sadly no cure. Although it can take upwards of 20 years from exposure to onset of the illness, once diagnosed it can be very aggressive and painful. Its effects have been tragic for Ian and also for the family he leaves behind.
“In order to gain justice for the Rosson family, we are trying to trace former colleagues who may be able to recall working conditions at the time. I would be particularly interested to hear from anyone who can recall working practices at any of the sites contracted out to Toft Johnson in the 1970s and also F Clay & Sons in the early 1980s.”
Mr Rosson’s son, Craig, explained: “Dad was such a hard working man all his life and it is so upsetting to think that it was work which led to this terrible illness.
“He had always been so fit and active. He was a very sociable person with many friends who lived life to the full and used to love his foreign holidays to Spain and Greece.
“We first noticed he wasn’t quite his usual self when he began to suffer from shortness of breath in 2006. At first we didn’t think it was anything to worry about but as his condition worsened he had a number of tests and finally, in May 2008, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma. We were all absolutely devastated by the news and his death has come as a huge shock to the whole family.”
Anyone who can assist with information regarding working practices with Toft Johnson Construction or F Clay & Son Ltd, or at any of the sub-contractors Mr Rosson worked for, should contact Iain Shoolbred at Irwin Mitchell Solicitors on 0870 1500 100 or contact iain.shoolbred@irwinmitchell.com
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