Lords urged to deliver asbestos justice
Lords urged to deliver asbestos justice
A legal bid backed by the union Unite is seeking to secure compensation for people with the asbestos related condition pleural plaques. The case being considered by the Lords started on 25 June and is scheduled to end on 2 July. It follows a Court of Appeal ruling last year, which overturned a decision by the High Court in 2005 which said pleural plaques should continue to receive compensation (Risks 311). Victims are receiving nothing at the moment. Pleural plaques seldom cause immediate symptoms but are associated with an increased risk of developing fatal conditions like mesothelioma or other asbestos related cancers, a source of stress for those diagnosed. Prior to the Court of Appeal ruling, claimants could receive compensation worth up to £15,000. If this decision is upheld by the Law Lords, it will result in a substantial windfall saving for insurance firms who have brought the test case in an attempt to end compensation for pleural plaques. Unite joint general secretary Derek Simpson, commenting ahead of the case, said: 'Unite has led this campaign and taken this case on behalf of our members. We are urging the House of Lords to restore compensation for pleural plaques sufferers. People with pleural plaques should be compensated for the genuine injury that asbestos exposure has caused. That is why Unite has taken the lead on behalf of our members and all pleural plaques sufferers to get this cruel decision reversed.'
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