The 78-year-old carpenter, who worked at Sunderland Shipbuilders, developed mesothelioma after inhaling asbestos dust and fibres while working at Pallion.

The Millfield man, who wants to remain anonymous, sought specialist advice to help him secure the cash in the record time of 14 weeks.
Solicitor Mitchell Colville said he was delighted with the speedy outcome.

He said: "My client has suffered greatly as a result of this terrible disease – and while he has no dependants, he will be able to put his financial affairs in order.

"It's extremely important that victims get their money in their lifetime, and it was great that we were able to make this happen for this man."

Mr Colville said the settlement was also especially important as it came less than two weeks after the courts deprived thousands of claimants – with the asbestos-related condition known as pleural plaques – of the right to sue for their condition.

He is reminding people who have been diagnosed with asbestosis, diffuse bilateral pleural thickening, mesothelioma or lung cancer triggered by asbestos to pursue their claim.

Mr Colville said: "The recent court decision has left the public with the mistaken belief that claims for asbestos-related illnesses could no longer be pursued.

"Victims can still bring a legal action if they are diagnosed with any other asbestos-related illness other than pleural plaques and we would urge them to do so."

Hundreds of workers across Wearside and East Durham were hit by the House of Lords' decision to overturn the 20-year-old compensation scheme.

The Law Lords rejected an appeal by Unite against a Court of Appeal decision in January 2006 which removed the right to compensation for sufferers of pleural plaques.

More than 100 people a year die from asbestos-related illnesses in the region, and that number is expected to rise year on year until 2020.
For more information, log on to www.asbestosvictimsadvice.com