Six-figure settlement for family of Houchin Aerospace receptionist exposed to asbestos 

Fiona worked for Houchin Aerospace in Ashford, Kent from 1974 to 2014, first as a receptionist, then later in the sales department.  As the receptionist, she dealt with the company post.  She went onto the factory floor at least once a day to deliver post and to collect and distribute internal mail.  Her route took her through every department of the factory and took around 20 minutes.

Fiona’s knowledge about the use of asbestos in the factory was limited, but she remembered metal pillars throughout the factory which had a coating on them. She also knew asbestos panels were present in some sections of the factory.

Fiona, who lived in Ashford following her retirement, developed symptoms of mesothelioma in August 2021 and was diagnosed in January 2022 aged 71. She instructed the personal injury team at law firm, Leigh Day to pursue a claim. Sadly, Fiona passed away later that year before a settlement could be agreed.  Her family continued the claim on behalf of her estate and her husband.

By gathering evidence from previous claims brought against Houchin Aerospace, it was possible for the Leigh Day legal team to establish that Fiona had been exposed to asbestos dust and fibres from the damaged and degraded blue asbestos coating on the metal pillars and from the asbestos wall panels.

Houchin Aerospace settled the claim without admitting liability and Fiona’s family received a six-figure settlement.

Leigh Day senior associate solicitor, Catriona Ratcliffe, who acted on behalf of Fiona and her family said:

“Although the level of daily exposure to Fiona was low, she was exposed to the most dangerous form of asbestos, and her entire exposure period spanned 40 years. It was clear early on that Fiona’s was a case capable of settlement, and it is deeply frustrating that the Defendant chose to draw proceedings out over such a prolonged period causing further distress to her already bereaved family. I hope that the settlement allows them to gain some closure.”