Shipyard Worker Dies from his Mesothelioma During Compensation Battle

July, 2008 – A former shipyard worker has lost his fight against mesothelioma in the middle of his battle for compensation. Diagnosed in January 2006, he had been suffering from the symptoms for much longer.

The engineer was exposed to asbestos, which triggers the fatal lung disease, while serving his apprenticeship in the UK. He started a lawsuit for compensation four years ago, and was originally awarded a six-figure sum.

But the company's insurers exploited a legal loophole, disallowing the claim until mesothelioma becomes active. Speaking out last year, the man said he felt "cheated" by the ruling, which could leave his family with nothing.

However, a legal battle to decide the extent of insurers' liability to pay compensation to the families of mesothelioma victims has now reached the High Court. Thousands of families are awaiting the outcome of the test case, expected at the beginning of next month.