Personal injury advice from
Thompsons Solicitors
Government Consultation Into Pleural Plaques Decision
6th June 2008
The recent House of Lords ruling on the asbestos related condition, pleural plaques, will be reviewed this month in a Government consultation.
Pleural Plaques Ruling
Developing pleural plaques is evidence that the lungs have been scarred due to asbestos exposure and is associated with a higher risk of developing more serious, and even fatal, illnesses.
Although having pleural plaques rarely causes symptoms, those affected can often suffer anxiety and worry that they may later develop other asbestos related diseases, such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.
The recent decision by the House of Lords, made following a legal battle instigated by the insurance industry, ended compensation for affected persons. It is estimated that this ruling will save insurers £1.4bn. The right to claim compensation for pleural plaques had previously existed for more than 20 years.
Consultation Period
The Government consultation period is due to begin shortly and is expected to reach a decision by November. It will review the effect of the House of Lords ruling and consider options including restoring the right of those affected to recover compensation.
Parliamentary Under Secretary of State for Justice, Bridget Prentice MP, said: “The consultation period will begin very soon, and I hope as a result my honourable Friends will see serious action from the Government, who are committed to helping people with pleural plaques and asbestos-related diseases.”
Our lawyers, Thompsons Solicitors, acted for sufferers of pleural plaques in the House of Lords Test Case. The Head of Asbestos Policy, Ian McFall, commented: “The House of Lords decision left thousands of working people disillusioned because they know their lungs have been marked by the asbestos they were wrongly exposed to and they have to live with the risk that some day they may develop a fatal illness.”
This consultation comes at a time when another test case is due to be heard in the High Court, known as the ‘trigger issue’, in which it is hoped the right to damages for mesothelioma victims and their families can be protected.
Industrial Disease Claim Advice
If you or someone close to you has been affected by an asbestos related disease, or any other industrial illness, our specialist lawyers may be able to help you claim personal injury compensation.
Contact us on 0800 0328511 for sympathetic, expert advice on a cost free basis. Alternatively complete a claim enquiry form online and we will contact you.
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