A man who developed mesothelioma years after he was exposed to asbestos while working for a shipping company has achieved a settlement of his compensation claim.

The man's work involved removing asbestos sheets from boilers, generators and pipes. He also worked with pipefitters who worked on lagging while fitting out and repairing ships. He was unaware of the risks posed by asbestos, and the company that employed him never warned him of its dangers nor provided him with any protective equipment.

Years later, when he was in his early 80s, he began experiencing shortness of breath. He was subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma, a cancer that most commonly affects the lining of the lungs and is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. Mesothelioma has a long incubation period, typically developing more than 20 years after exposure. The disease is often at an advanced stage by the time symptoms appear, and the prognosis for those diagnosed with it is usually poor.

The man sought damages for his illness. As the company he had worked for no longer existed, extensive research was undertaken to identify the company that was now responsible for its liabilities. After this issue had been resolved, a settlement of his claim was reached.