Family of Asbestos Victim Receive Over £120,000

The family of a man who died of an asbestos-related disease has received £121,716 in compensation.

James Simpson died in a hospice at the age of 83 shortly after he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, a particularly lethal form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma attacks the cells lining the body’s internal organs, but it is most often found in the lungs.

Mr Simpson had worked at Deptford Power Station for almost 25 years. His job involved removing asbestos lagging in order to repair pipes and joints. Although the atmosphere in which he worked was often very dusty, his employer failed to provide him with any protective clothing or equipment.

He left the job in 1971 and went to work in the City. It wasn’t until 2009 that he was diagnosed with the deadly disease that led to his death just six weeks later. Before he died, Mr Simpson commenced a personal injury claim, which was then pursued by his family.

It is estimated that the annual number of deaths from mesothelioma will peak at over 2,450 in the next 10 years. The cancer can grow undetected for many years after exposure, with patients only experiencing symptoms, such as shortness of breath and chest pain, after the disease has spread. The prognosis for sufferers is very poor.