Hodge Jones & Allen

Industrial Disease

Isobel, Partner and Head of the Asbestos and Workplace Illness Team, has specialised in asbestos disease cases for Claimants for over 25 years, and consequently, she has vast experience in this specialist litigation.

In addition to securing high-value settlements for mesothelioma sufferers, Isobel has enabled her clients to gain security in being able to access approved, non-NHS funded treatment, paid for by Defendants’ insurers, thereby expanding her clients’ treatment options, resulting in many cases, in extended lifespans.

Isobel’s recent successes include a test case relating to the test for causation in asbestosis cases. Isobel had obtained a provisional damages settlement for asbestosis for her client. He died many years later, and although the post-mortem histopathology report did not support the diagnosis of asbestosis, Isobel challenged this through supportive expert evidence, in conjunction with Mike Rawlinson KC, arguing that the “but for” test should apply in these cases and claiming further damages for his widow and estate. The Defendant denied the arguments but nonetheless, settled the case a matter weeks before trial. The initial claim had settled at £86,000 and Isobel secured a further £200,000 for the bereaved widow.

Isobel has also recently settled a living mesothelioma claim for a client who worked as an industrial chemist who had worked for three former employers, who had exposed him to varying, relatively low levels of asbestos dust in the course of his employment. The Claim was initially denied so proceedings were issued in the High Court. However, shortly before the first CMC hearing, an offer was received, which the Claimant, on Isobel’s advice, countered, resulting in a settlement of the claim and which importantly included provision for funding private medical treatment, if her client needs it in the future.

Isobel has also successfully handled asbestos product liability claims and, since 2017, has advised and assisted clients in bringing claims in the US for mesothelioma caused by asbestos-contaminated talc in powder and make-up.

Isobel does not shy away from difficult cases. She achieved success early in her career in asbestos litigation in the case of Cox v Industrial Power (India) Ltd CA 2007, the first in a series of defining so-called “low exposure” cases in which Defendants have sought to test causation in mesothelioma cases by reference to exposure levels. The Claimant had worked seasonally in power stations and for the Defendant for a matter of weeks. Despite the Defendant arguing that any exposure he had would have been de minimis and therefore, not actionable, the Court held that the exposure was not minimal and found for the Claimant’s widow, the Claimant, having sadly succumbed to his illness by the time of the trial. The judgment was upheld by the Court of Appeal on appeal by the Defendant. The case is still referred to in other similar cases today.

Isobel takes a holistic approach to client care: not only does he help her clients to obtain compensation and treatment, but she also ensures they obtain their full state benefit entitlement and has helped put care regimes in place, where needed. She works closely with medical professionals, local support groups and related charities to ensure the support needs of victims of mesothelioma and other asbestos diseases are met.

She is known for being tremendously calm, reassuring, helpful and supportive of her clients and their families, as well as a tenacious and skilled litigator and negotiator.

Isobel’s commitment to supporting asbestos victims means she has been involved with many support groups over the years, her involvement culminating in her working to establish the London Asbestos Support Awareness Group, a charity covering London and the South East. She has also fundraised for research into treatment for mesothelioma over the years.

Isobel’s expertise is recognised by those she works with and through independent accreditation by The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers, of which she is a Fellow and Asbestos and Occupational Disease specialist. She also assesses others seeking this accreditation.

Whilst specialising in asbestos disease work, Isobel has past experience of other industrial diseases, particularly other occupational respiratory conditions and work–related cancers.

Isobel trained and worked in a number of firms in Sheffield before being appointed Associate at Irwin Mitchell’s Newcastle office between 2009-15. She has been a Partner at Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors since June 2015.

English, French

Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) Fellow and Accredited Asbestos and Occupational Disease Specialist and Assessor

Master of Arts 2.1 in French, University of Aberdeen. Post-Graduate Certificate in Education in Modern Languages and TEFL/TESL, University of Warwick Common Professional Examination, University of Northumberland Solicitors’ Final Examination, University of Northumberland