by Lorraine King The widower of an industrial cleaner exposed to asbestos while working for a company in the borough has won a record-breaking award in court. Jane Beesley sued Harlesden-based New Century Group Ltd (NCG) after her husband
by Lorraine King
The widower of an industrial cleaner exposed to asbestos while working for a company in the borough has won a record-breaking award in court.
Jane Beesley sued Harlesden-based New Century Group Ltd (NCG) after her husband John Lambie died from mesothelioma, an asbestos-related cancer, in 2006.
Mrs Beesley, who has remarried since her husband's death, was awarded a total of �253,310.
Her compensation includes �25,000 for the care and assistance she gave to Mr Lambie - the highest ever awarded in a mesothelioma case.
Mr Lambie was exposed to the deadly material when he worked for the company between 1965 and 1970.
His job included cleaning the asbestos corrugated roofs of factories and cleaning pipes lagged with asbestos.
Although NCG are no longer in business Mrs Beesley was able to take action through the Employer's Liability Insurance scheme.
Harminder Bains, the lawyer who dealt with the case, at Field Fisher Waterhouse said: "Mrs Beesley attended to all of her dying husband's needs in an attempt to give him some comfort.
"I am satisfied that in this case the court recognised the extraordinary effort it takes to look after a dying man. I hope it is recognised in future cases."
lorraine.king@archant.co.uk
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