Compensation has been obtained for the family of a former receptionist who died of mesothelioma.

The woman had worked for an aerospace company for about 40 years. In her initial role as a receptionist, she went around the factory at least once a day to deliver post and internal mail to each department. Some areas of the factory contained asbestos wall panels, and there were coated metal pillars throughout it.

Several years after her retirement, she began experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma. She was diagnosed with the disease the following year, at the age of 71. Mesothelioma commonly affects the lining of the lungs and is almost always caused by exposure to asbestos. It has a long incubation period, with symptoms typically appearing decades after exposure.

She commenced a claim against her former employer, which was continued by her family after she passed away. Evidence was obtained establishing that she had been exposed to asbestos dust and fibres from damaged asbestos coating on the pillars and wall panels. The company did not admit liability but agreed to a six-figure settlement of the claim.