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09
Sept 2024
Family seeks information after asbestos-related death of woman at Harrogate firm
The family of a Kirkby Malzeard woman who died in January have instructed specialist lawyers in a bid to discover more about the cause of her death.
Janet Robinson worked in the textile department at the former ICI site on Hookstone Road in Harrogate from 1969 to 1992.
She started working at the company as a trainee technician before becoming an executive assistant.
Asbestos was commonly used in the chemical industry during the time of Ms Robinson's early years of employment and it is thought she may have been exposed to the toxic fibres released from the lagging on pipework throughout the factory, as well as when repairs and refurbishment works were being carried out around the site.
In late 2023 she was diagnosed with mesothelioma - a cancer caused by exposure to asbestos - and died from the disease shortly afterwards in January this year, aged 71.
Ms Robinson's family have instructed the asbestos team at law firm Leigh Day, which would like to hear from anyone who knew and worked with her or for ICI in Harrogate from the late 1960s to the 1990s.
Her widower, David Robinson, said:
Any information which might explain how Janet became affected by asbestos may not benefit her but will help those diagnosed in the future - and tragically, there will be others.
I am desperate to put together some answers for myself and to help others in the same situation get the support and help they need.
Janet died in St Michael's Hospice on January 19th - just 64 days after visiting the doctor for a ‘chest infection’ - I still have not received a formal death certificate as the Coroner’s investigations are still on-going.
Heetasha Khosla, asbestos claims solicitor at Leigh Day, said:
We are hoping to help Janet’s family by finding other people who worked at ICI Harrogate from the late 1960s, 1970s and 1980s who can provide further information about the ways Janet may have been exposed to asbestos.
Any information could be beneficial to this case, and would be hugely appreciated by David and the rest of the family.
Anyone who has information can contact Ms Khoslam by email on hkhosla@leighday.co.uk or call 020 7650 1208.
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