Amicus prepares Lords appeal on pleural plaques
Amicus prepares Lords appeal on pleural plaques
An appeal to the Law Lords to reinstate compensation for sufferers of the asbestos related condition pleural plaques has been set for summer 2007.The move is seeking to overturn a Court of Appeal ruling this year which stopped compensation payouts to those with the condition (Risks 246). The Court of Appeal overturned a previous decision by the High Court last year, where it was decided claimants with pleural plaques should continue to receive compensation (Risks 242). The most recent decision, unless overturned, means the end to an established right to compensation, which existed for 20 years, for pleural plaques. Pleural plaques seldom causes immediate symptoms but are associated with an increased risk of fatal conditions like mesothelioma or asbestosis. In the past claimants could receive compensation worth up to £15,000. Amicus general secretary Derek Simpson said: 'People with pleural plaques should be compensated for the genuine injury that asbestos exposure has caused. That is why Amicus has pledged to take the lead to continue fighting on behalf of our members and all pleural plaques sufferers to get this cruel decision reversed.' Ian McFall of Thompsons Solicitors said: 'Pleural plaques are recognised by medical experts as a sign of irreversible damage to the lining of the lung caused by a history of exposure to asbestos which carries an increased risk of malignant diseases such as the deadly cancer mesothelioma. This new hearing with the House of Lords gives us an opportunity to argue again that people exposed to asbestos and diagnosed with pleural plaques should win back the right to claim compensation.' The appeal to the House of Lords will be heard from June 25 to July 2, 2007. A study last year linked the presence of pleural plaques to a 50 per cent higher risk of colon cancer (Risks 233).
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