The family of a man who died in 2007 of an asbestos-related disease has won the right to compensation.

The man used to work as a self-employed tailor but lack of business forced him to change his line of work in order to support his family. He took a job in a factory that made electrical components and it was there, between 1970 and 1976, that he was exposed to asbestos in the lining of ovens.

It was known at the time that asbestos dust was dangerous but no warning was given to the man, nor was he offered any protective equipment.

In 2005, he was diagnosed with mesothelioma, an aggressive form of lung cancer associated with asbestos exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. By the time someone goes to their doctor, the disease is very often advanced and most victims do not live more than one to two years after mesothelioma is diagnosed.

On receiving the diagnosis, the man was concerned about providing for his wife and daughter, as well as his family from a previous marriage. He decided to bring a claim for compensation but died before it was finalised. At his urging, his family pursued the claim after his death and was awarded more than £162,000 in compensation.