Victims of asbestos have defeated yet another legal challenge by insurers trying to avoid paying compensation to mesothelioma sufferers.

The Supreme Court dismissed insurers' appeals in two cases: Knowsley Metropolitan Borough Council v Willmore and Sienkiewicz v Greif.

Both involved small exposures to asbestos and the insurers argued that they shouldn't have to pay compensation to the families of the victims, both of whom died of mesothelioma, an asbestos related cancer.

Dianne Willmore was exposed to asbestos as a pupil at school; while in Sienkiewicz v Greif, Enid Costello was exposed to it at the office where she worked.

This is an important decision and will make it possible for many more people diagnosed with mesothelioma to bring a claim.

It also emphasises the dangers of asbestos, which is thought to remain in more than 500,000 UK buildings, including schools and other public venues. Its safe removal is essential to ensure that asbestos related illnesses are prevented in the future.

Mesothelioma can be caused by exposure to just one asbestos fibre.

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