Hunt v. Atlas Turner Inc. et al

Co-counsel for the defendant, Lac D'Amiante du Quebec Ltee., in a representative action brought by a worker allegedly suffering from an asbestos-related disease. The true plaintiff was the Workers' Compensation Board for the Province of British Columbia. Lac operated an asbestos mine in Quebec and it was alleged that it was a participant in a conspiracy to hide the dangers of asbestos from the public. One of the plaintiff's objectives was to obtain previously undisclosed documents from the defendants so that the documents could be used in proceedings in the United States. At the trial on quantum, the plaintiff who was found to have six months to live was awarded $135,000 as damages. The action proceeded to the Supreme Court of Canada on procedural issues on three occasions, primarily on issues relating to the confidentiality and production of documents. The action and the actions it represented were settled without financial contribution from Lac after nine years of litigation. Confidentiality was maintained and all documents were returned.