Hospice awarded patient's payout

A hospice has been awarded a payout in a landmark claim over the death of one of its patients from asbestos-related lung cancer.

A judge awarded St Joseph's Hospice in Hackney, east London, more than £10,000, plus interest, against a company held liable over the death of James Wilson, who lived in a flat in Tower Hamlets.

Mr Wilson died in March 2007 of mesothelioma contracted as a result of exposure to asbestos while working for Foster Wheeler Ltd in the early 1950s at Dartford power station.

Catherine Foster, appearing on behalf of Foster Wheeler, had argued that the claim was "not covered by permitted authority" but the judge ruled the hospice was entitled to "a reasonable sum" from the company.