The number of mesothelioma claims being reported remains high two years after the expected peak period, building products manufacturer James Hardie says.

The peak year of claims – a “critical assumption” in estimating costs – was expected to be 2010/11 for the cancer, which is associated with exposure to asbestos.

In releasing its first-quarter results, the Dublin-domiciled company says mesothelioma claims reporting activity “has been above actuarial expectations”.

James Hardie received 160 new claims in the three months to June 30, when actuarial expectations were for 135.

It settled 156 claims for a total of $38.1 million, compared with the actuarial forecast of $32.9 million. The average payout of $273,000 was pulled up by a number of large mesothelioma claims settled for more than $1 million.

“The increase in average claims settlement is largely attributable to mesothelioma claims, which are more costly to settle and represented a larger proportion of total claims than in the prior corresponding period,” the company said.

Settlements for non-mesothelioma claims were in line with, or below, actuarial expectations.