Settlement For Machinist Diagnosed With Mesothelioma
Dennis Scott started suffering breathlessness symptoms, a couple of years ago, and at that time he was diagnosed with asbestosis. His symptoms quickly deteriorated and he received a diagnosis of Epithelioid Mesothelioma in early 2022. Sadly, Dennis died in April 2022 – he was 89 years old.
Following his death, the case was delayed for a coroner investigation and proceedings re-started in early 2023. Defence denied liability but negotiations led by Joanne Candlish, asbestos solicitor and partner at Hodge Jones & Allen resulted in a six figure settlement.
Dennis was a machinist working at the Stainsacre Works, in Whitby, producing fire doors from asbestos insulation board from 1968 until 1994.
Terry, his son knew that his father’s work had meant exposure to asbestos. He told Joanne, however “I was shocked about the levels of exposure my father had encountered, over many years, and the impact on his health in later life.”
Commenting on the settlement, Joanne Candlish said “It was very sad to see the effect of the asbestos exposure on Dennis’ health. For machinists like Dennis, and for other tradesmen such as joiners and carpenters, asbestos exposure isn’t always obvious and workers and their families often don’t make the link between their day job and the possibility of mesothelioma.
It was a privilege for me to be able use my past experiences and skills to secure vital direct evidence of Dennis’ exposure to asbestos during the 60s, 70s and 80s. The family have lost their much-loved father and grandfather to an aggressive and deadly form of cancer resulting from negligence by his employers.”
Whilst working on the production of fire doors Dennis was not supplied with Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) and did not receive any health warnings from his employers.
Joanne Candlish is a partner in the Asbestos Team, at Hodge Jones & Allen. She is highly experienced in dealing with asbestos claims having spent many years tracking down vital evidence and insurer’s details.
