Harris v. MOD [2016] CSOH 49

The pursuer, Roger Harris, was employed by the MOD as a boilermaker between 1961 and 1977. He was exposed to asbestos dust and fibres whilst working in and around friable lagging. He developed pleural plaques and raised a court action against the MOD seeking full and final damages.

Liability was admitted and all the evidence was agreed. There was no evidence of exposure during any other period of employment. The case focused purely on the appropriate award for a full and final settlement in a pleural plaques claim.

Mr Harris was 70 years of age at the date of proof, never smoked, and was in good health, subject to well controlled hypertension and dyspepsia. His uncle, whom he had worked alongside at the MOD, had died of pulmonary asbestosis, precipitating Mr Harris' attendance for a chest X-ray in January 2013.