Widow receives six-figure settlement following death of former decorator from mesothelioma

Michael Angus, also known as Chick, from Morpeth worked at William Leech Builders (more recently known as Beazer Homes Limited) between 1971/1972 to 1973/1974. He often worked near joiners and carpenters sawing sheets of asbestos to create canopies and soffit boards on new build housing at Lancaster Park, near Newcastle.

Michael’s colleagues used a handsaw to cut asbestos boards, creating thick clouds of dust and fibres that filled the air during the sawing process. Michael was exposed to asbestos while painting canopies built above the front doors of houses.

He was also occasionally near bonfires where off cuts of asbestos boards were burned, releasing large amounts of asbestos fibres into the atmosphere.

Michael was never provided with a mask or any other respiratory protection. He remembered there being no ventilation or dust extraction in place and was never warned about the dangers of asbestos.

He was diagnosed with malignant mesothelioma aged 78 in March 2021.

He approached Steven Dickens from Leigh Day’s asbestos team in September 2021 and underwent chemotherapy through January to June the following year.

His wife Lou Angus recalls that chemotherapy was very strenuous on Michael and recalls seeing him lose over three stone over the course of his treatment.

Michael died on 5 July 2022 at 80 years old.

While Beazer Homes Limited initially disputed liability, they admitted liability following the issue of proceedings, and a six-figure settlement was reached.

Asbestos partner Steven Dickens said:

“Mesothelioma is a harsh and unforgiving illness for which there’s no cure. Although I am glad we were able to reach a settlement for his family; no amount of compensation will ever make up for Chick’s loss.

“Asbestos was used extensively in the 1970s and its deadly legacy is still being felt today. Sadly, for long periods, it was a commonly used material in domestic housebuilding and remains in situ in a lot of housing stock.”