Family Fights For Justice After Inquest Blames Employer For Mesothelioma Death
09/02/2011
The partner of a Newcastle man who passed away just three months after being diagnosed with mesothelioma has welcomed an investigation into his death.
James Bernard Johnston, 64, was diagnosed with mesothelioma in June 2010 but tragically passed away just three months later on 27th September 2010. Mr Johnston, who worked at Vickers Limited Shipbuilding Group from 1961 to 1968, was thought to have been regularly exposed to asbestos dust.
An inquest into Mr Johnston’s death today recorded a verdict of industrial disease, believing that he had been exposed to asbestos during his employment as an apprentice and later as a joiner with Vickers. The inquest was satisfied that this exposure to asbestos led to Mr Johnston developing mesothelioma, an incurable form of cancer.
During his employment at Vickers Limited Shipbuilding Group’s Walker Naval Yard, Mr Johnston would often work in close proximity to asbestos sheets, which were cut to size or drilled, and near where asbestos-based lagging paste was mixed. Vickers later provided facemasks for employees but these were largely considered to be ineffective by staff.
Roger Maddocks, partner and industrial disease specialist at Irwin Mitchell, represented Mr Johnston’s family, including his long-term partner Karen Dance, at the inquest.
Mr Maddocks said: “For several years Mr Johnston was regularly exposed to deadly asbestos dust and fibres as a result of, not only, his work but of that of the people working around him as well.
“Towards the end of Mr Johnston’s employment at Vickers, his employer did start to provide face masks but this was too little too late and the masks were considered to be relatively ineffective by the workforce – they would become clogged up with asbestos dust.
“Although continued contact with asbestos increases the likelihood of developing Mesothelioma, our cases often highlight that, on occasion, minimal exposure can have just as devastating consequences as long-term exposure – so for many workers like Mr Johnston the damage may already have been done before the protective masks were made available.”
Karen Dance added: “We were all devastated when James received his diagnosis. He tried to remain positive throughout his illness but was distraught that his life was being so cruelly cut short as a result of a job which he did over 40 years ago.
“I’m relieved that the inquest is now over but there are still questions surrounding James’ death that need to be answered.”
Following today’s verdict Mr Johnston’s family have turned to Irwin Mitchell to help with their mesothelioma claim. Mr Maddocks added: “Prior to his death Mr Johnston fought to see justice from Vickers Limited Shipbuilding Group, for the unnecessary pain inflicted by his former employer and now his family are continuing a legal battle in his memory.
“We are currently conducting further investigations and require help piecing together details surrounding the working conditions at Vickers Limited Shipbuilding Group during the 1960s.”
Anyone who worked for Vickers Limited Shipbuilding Group from 1961 to 1968 should contact Roger Maddocks at Irwin Mitchell with any information on 0191 279 0095.
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