31st October 2006
A welcome decision has been made by the government not to reclaim compensation from former Turner and Newall employees making personal injury claims in respect of asbestos related diseases.
Asbestos is known to cause a number of illnesses, including asbestosis, pleural thickening and the fatal cancer mesothelioma. A large number of people formerly employed by Turner and Newall were exposed to asbestos through the negligence of the company and have become ill, or even died, as a result.
Many of these people and their families are now pursuing compensation claims in respect of their illnesses. However the settlements received are set to be substantially reduced as the company is in administration. Claimants may receive no more than 20p in the £1.
When an innocent victim of a personal injury or industrial disease receives compensation the government is entitled by law to reclaim the first five years of any state benefit that has been claimed.
If the normal rules of the government’s Compensation Recovery Unit (CRU) applied in the cases of Turner and Newall claimants, the victims would have stood to lose out even further.
The Department for Work and Pensions has confirmed however that Turner and Newall claimants should keep their compensation in full.
If you or a member of your family has suffered an industrial disease through the negligence of your employer, you maybe entitled to claim compensation.
Our lawyers are specialists in this complex area and can provide expert claim advice and assistance. Contact The Legal Line on 0800 0328511 or by completing an online compensation claim form.