Pleural plaques payouts scheme kicks off

Pleural plaques payouts scheme kicks off

A controversial government compensation scheme to provide lump sum payouts to some people with asbestos-related pleural plaques is now accepting applications. Thousands will be able to apply for a £5,000 payment, the Ministry of Justice has said. The previous government was accused of 'abandoning' victims after it announced earlier this year that it would not change a 2007 Law Lords ruling that prevents sufferers of pleural plaques - a scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos - from claiming compensation (Risks 445). But people who had already started a legal claim for compensation will be able to apply for a £5,000 one-off payment. About 6,000 people in England and Wales are thought to be eligible. They have until 1 August 2011 to lodge a claim, the Ministry of Justice said. Northern TUC warned claimants against using 'claims firms seeking to capitalise on other people's misfortune.' Regional secretary at Kevin Rowan advised claimants to contact their union or asbestos support groups instead, adding: 'Any claims firms or solicitors preying on these claims by taking a cut are just ripping off victims in the most despicable and vile way.'

MoJ news release and pleural plaques compensation eligibility guidelines. TUC news release.

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