COMPANIES AGREE TO SETTLE IN
'POTROOM PALSY' CASE
Lawsuit's Next Phase Involves Damage Claims
Bellingham Herald, Saturday, November 14, 1992

By Andy Norstadt
The Belligham Herald, December 4, 1992

Health: No details to be released as part of a "confidential settlement"

Former Intalco Aluminum Corp. workers have won a settlement in their "potroom palsy" suit over health problems.

A "confidential compromise settlement" of the case has been reached, said Dean Brett, the Bellingham attorney representing 25 ex-workers. Details were not released.

A 10-member U. S. District Court jury found in favor of eight workers last month, deciding that their medical problems stemmed from exposure to toxics at the Whatcom County plant during its first six years.

The jury was poised to hear testimony about liability – who, if any of the defendants, was liable and to what extent.

The agreement reached Thursday apparently will end that trial phase. It eliminates the need for a second trial for 17 men whose cases have not been heard.

Defendants included AMAX Inc., Pechiney Enterprises Inc. and Bechtel Corp., the plaint’s original owner, designer and builder.

"In light of the risks and costs facing each party, a confidential compromise settlement of all claims and issues has been reached. Defendants did not admit liability or damages in agreeing to the settlement," according to a statement read by Brett.

"That’s a statement both sides agreed to, and we’re not at liberty to say anything else," said Jim Frederick, Intalco senior vice president.

Several workers contacted Thursday afternoon said they understood negotiations were under way, but they knew nothing about a settlement.

The workers sued three years ago, claiming they suffered various neurological problems traced to work at the smelter in the late 1960s.

Scientific research into potroom palsy will continue.

The National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health will conduct an epidemiological study of Intalco workers to determine if a link exists between health problems and plant operations between 1966 and 1972.