A court battle between ICI and the widow of one of their former workers has ended with judges ruling that the company were in breach of the duty of care owed to her husband.
John Gerald McLeod, who was known as Ian, suffered from lung cancer caused by exposure to asbestos during his time at the company. He died of the disease in 2011, aged 66. He had been married to his wife Eileen for 45 years.
Mr McLeod, who was a great grandfather, worked at ICI’s Wilton and Billingham plants between 1967 and 1970 and later from 1979 and 1994. His role at the plants often involved removing asbestos lagging and handling scaffolding that was coated with asbestos dust.
Mr McLeod’s former colleagues supported his widow in court by describing the conditions in which they had worked with him. They also highlighted the lack of preventative measures that ICI had in place.
Mrs McLeod was awarded an undisclosed but significant amount of compensation from the company.
Anthony McCarthy, Director Solicitor at Macks, says: “This tragic case only goes to highlight the devastating impact asbestos exposure has had on our region. Mrs McLeod’s fight for justice for her husband was admirable – my heart goes out to her.”
Speaking to the Evening Gazette newspaper, Mrs McLeod said: “No amount of money will bring Ian back or help us forget the pain and suffering he went through as a result of being exposed to asbestos during his working life, but we feel that justice has now been done.”
She also thanked his former workmates for the crucial information they provided to the court.
Teesside and the wider North-East have a higher than average proportion of people who are affected by mesothelioma, because of the area’s extensive industrial history. Macks Solicitors in Middlesbrough are experienced in dealing with the minor and more serious aspects of industrial disease, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma. Our asbestos solicitors in Middlesbrough can help you trace your old employers and claim compensation if you have been diagnosed with an industrial disease. You can visit one of our offices in Middlesbrough, Redcar or Darlington to discuss your potential claim, or call us on 01642 252 828.
