Industrial disease specialist joins Slater and Gordon’s growing North East team

Law firm Slater and Gordon has added a highly experienced industrial disease specialist to its growing North East team.

Simon Matthews has almost 30 years of experience in industrial disease work, acting for both claimants and defendants during that time – giving him unique insight into this highly specialist area of law. The last decade has been spent working solely with claimants and their families.

Simon, who is based in Newcastle, will support people across the region whose lives have been affected by industrial disease. This includes conditions associated with exposure to asbestos, such as mesothelioma and lung cancer, respiratory diseases from exposure to silica dust, Hand Arm Vibration Syndrome (HAVS), and Repetitive Strain Injuries (RSI).

The industrial disease specialist, who has worked in several prominent law firms nationally during his career, has been involved in major cases involving renowned North East businesses including British Steel, Vickers, ICI and many of the region’s shipyards. He also sat on the steering group in two high-profile group litigation cases involving miners taking action against British Coal.

Simon joins Slater and Gordon from law firm OH Parsons, working with clients across the North East and Yorkshire, and adds further to Slater and Gordon’s growing national industrial disease team, who act for individuals and families across England and Wales in seeking justice from their former employers.

“Slater and Gordon is a well known and highly esteemed name in industrial disease work, and for its commitment to fighting on behalf of the former workers and their families they represent,” says Simon.

“Over the past 30 years, I have acted separately for both employees and employers, giving me invaluable insight into what may be happening on the other side of the fence, which we will always use to our advantage.

“The North East is a region I know well, and I have acted for many families during my career in helping them find the answers and justice they deserve. I look forward to working with even more through my new role with Slater and Gordon.”

Jordan Bell, Head of Industrial Disease at Slater and Gordon, adds: “Simon’s considerable experience and expertise in industrial disease work is impressive, and we are very pleased to welcome him to our growing team.

“The North East is an area where industrial disease continues to devastate families, and we have a proud track record of supporting them in securing the best possible legal outcomes. Through the appointment of Simon, we will be able to build on that even further.”