Legionnaires victim’s wife: I want answers
Families and survivors taking legal action over a deadly outbreak of Legionnaires’ disease in 2012 are facing a further “frustrating” delay.
Four people died and nearly 100 needed treatment after being exposed to the Legionella bug in south-west Edinburgh.
But the group of people suing at the Court of Session cannot have their case heard until the conclusion of a criminal prosecution against two companies.
Catherine MacDonald, whose partner Bert Air was the first to die, said: “It’s six years past June since he died. I’m really annoyed it’s taking this long.”
She added: “I just want somebody to hold their hand up.
“Even if it’s just a letter to say sorry. It’s not money I am doing this for.
“Bert’s death took its toll on the family, especially his mum, who died six months after him.”
Some survivors still suffer symptoms after being infected with the lung disease.
The group’s lawyer, David Bell, senior associate at Irwin Mitchell Scotland, said: “Many of those we represent are very frustrated that they are still waiting for answers more than six years after the event.”
The civil case against MacFarlan Smith and Ashland Industries is likely to be heard next August.
Both firms pleaded not guilty to allegedly exposing employees to Legionella bacteria.
The criminal charges are unrelated to the deaths.