Pleural Plaques sufferers in Scotland can now claim compensation
Thompsons Solicitors is supporting calls for an immediate announcement from the Government on the asbestos related condition pleural plaques following a decision to compensate sufferers in Scotland.
A landmark vote in the Scottish parliament has given pleural plaques sufferers in Scotland the right to claim compensation.
Meanwhile thousands of people across the rest of Britain continue to be denied compensation following a House of Lords decision in 2007.
Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs
Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy from Thompsons Solicitors added: “The UK Government's long awaited announcement on pleural plaques is even more urgent now that we have the reality of a compensation postcode lottery.
"People harmed by asbestos in England, Wales and Northern Ireland suffer no less than those in Scotland. Many were employed in the same industries and some even worked for the same employer as their counterparts in Scotland. It cannot be right that people here continue to be deprived of a legal remedy.”
Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by asbestos. Although rarely causing symptoms they are associated with an increased risk of developing fatal conditions like mesothelioma.
Members of the Scottish Parliament voted by a majority of 98-16 to maintain the right to claim for pleural plaques if the condition was caused by exposure to asbestos in Scotland.
Thousands of people across the UK have pleural plaques
Thousands of people across the UK have pleural plaques. Most were exposed to asbestos in the workplace at a time when employers were fully aware of the harmful effects and did nothing to protect workers.
Many people with pleural plaques tell of the worry and uncertainty it causes knowing that one day they may develop asbestos cancer.
They have been on tenterhooks since the House of Lords ended the right to compensation for pleural plaques in 2007 as a result of a test case brought by the insurance industry. They are now awaiting the outcome of a government consultation.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.