Family Lawyer Advocates for Justice After Leeds Worker’s Asbestos Death

News Summary

The family of Robert Riggs, a former Leeds sheet metal worker, is seeking justice after his death from mesothelioma, urging former colleagues to share information about his asbestos exposure. Riggs battled the disease for months before passing away at 75. His daughter is working with lawyers to uncover the circumstances around his illness, highlighting the dangers of asbestos in the workplace.

A Call to Arms: Family of Former Leeds Worker Seeks Justice After Tragic Asbestos-Related Death

The family of Robert “Bob” Riggs, a former sheet metal worker from Leeds, is reaching out to his former colleagues to uncover the circumstances surrounding his tragic exposure to asbestos, which led to his untimely death from mesothelioma. Bob, who passed away on September 7, 2024, after a heart-wrenching battle with this terminal lung cancer, was just 75 years old.

Bob’s Occupational Journey and Potential Asbestos Exposure

In June 2024, Bob received the devastating diagnosis of mesothelioma, a disease that is almost always linked to inhalation of asbestos fibers, often encountered in certain trades. Given Bob’s career in sheet metal work from the mid-1960s, the family is now seeking help to pinpoint how he was exposed to this notoriously dangerous material.

Under the guidance of specialist lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, Bob’s daughter, Tracy Connell, is investigating the origins of her father’s illness, specifically during his employment at Joseph Nadin (Royton) Ltd from 1966 to 1967 and Cape Insulation from 1967 to 1968. Tracy is particularly keen on hearing from anyone who worked alongside Bob during these periods.

The Hazards of Working with Asbestos

Bob worked tirelessly on various projects across the north of England, starting with Joseph Nadin where he spent six months working alongside his father James. His role involved encasing pipes with metal sheeting, which is believed to have been lagged in asbestos. The environment he worked in brought numerous risks, as laggers would cut pipes with handsaws, creating a cloud of asbestos dust that permeated the air. Workers would also prepare mixed asbestos powder with water, further elevating their exposure levels.

After his stint at Joseph Nadin, Bob joined Cape Insulation, where he was assigned to numerous sites, including the Dewsbury Saville Town Gas Works and the Iron Bridge Power Station in South Wales. Here, once again, he found himself working close to laggers, whose activities could have put him at significant risk of asbestos exposure.

A Family’s Heartbreak and Plea for Information

Bobs’s demise was a profound loss for his family. Before his diagnosis, he was a vibrant individual who relished cooking and exploring the beauty of his local area. His health began to rapidly decline in April 2024, when he started experiencing troubling symptoms like persistent cough and breathlessness, which eventually led to the tragic mesothelioma diagnosis.

Despite the gravity of his condition, Bob showed remarkable courage and resilience, opting to delay treatment until after his daughter’s wedding in August—a testament to the deep commitment to his family. Now, as they mourn his loss, the Riggs family is appealing to Bob’s former colleagues for vital information regarding his exposure to asbestos.

Community Remembrance and Advocacy

The significance of Bob’s story is underscored by a recent unveiling of a commemorative plaque in Armley, Leeds, honoring the residents who have succumbed to illnesses related to asbestos exposure. The plaque serves as a reminder of the community’s history with asbestos, notably the Armley asbestos disaster caused by a factory specializing in the material, which has had lingering health effects for decades.

The ongoing discussions surrounding asbestos-related disease risks emphasize the necessity for proper management and safe removal protocols in buildings. With upcoming days of awareness aimed at enhancing understanding of legacy issues caused by past asbestos use, the Riggs family’s plea becomes a vital piece of a larger puzzle advocating for safety standards and legal justice.

Reach Out for Justice

Those who worked with Bob Riggs during his employment at Joseph Nadin or Cape Insulation and who can provide information about his potential asbestos exposure are encouraged to reach out. The family is determined to uncover the history behind Bob’s suffering, and they hope that former colleagues will step forward to assist in this critical legal investigation. For anyone with information, please contact Abigail Williams at Irwin Mitchell.