UK: Consultation into court ruling that ended the right to compensation for pleural plaques

Consultation into court ruling that ended the right to compensation for pleural plaques

UK - The government has announced it begin a consultation this month into a major House of Lords ruling on asbestos that ended the right of pleural plaques' victims to sue for compensation.

Member of Parliament Bridget Prentice said the consultation will review the effects the ruling will have on the country, and a decision is expected to be announced by November. Options, including restoring that right, will be considered to find redress for people with the condition.

Pleural plaques, a condition directly linked to the scarring of the lungs, causes its victims to have a higher risk for developing mesothelioma, a fatal type of lung cancer. These people suffer from worry and uncertainty that they may one day develop the deadly illness.

The House of Lords made the ruling following a court battle waged by the insurance industry, which expects to save £1.4bn from the ruling. The right to compensation for pleural plaques has existed for over 20 years.

Ms. Prentice said the government is committed to helping its people and that she hopes a positive result emerge from the consultation for people diagnosed with pleural plaques and other asbestos-related conditions.

Supporters of the consultation in Parliament are urging the Minister to emphasize to her colleagues the crucial need to reverse the court ruling. They hope the process will be "short, precise and effective" so people with the condition can know where they stand, according to one Member of Parliament.

To receive a FREE Mesothelioma Web information packet** or to make a request, please fill out the following form :

**For a FREE information packet including treatments, clinical trials, and specialists, please complete the form above or call a Mesothelioma Web coordinator at 1-877-367-6376.

News

Resources

This site complies with the HONcode standard for trustworthy health information: verify here