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19th July 2006
Compensation for Mesothelioma Restored
Victims of asbestos can now claim full compensation
Thompsons Solicitors has welcomed news that mesothelioma victims will have their right to full compensation restored.
During the third reading of the Compensation Bill on Monday July 17, hundreds of victims of the devastating asbestos-related disease learned they could again claim full compensation from their former employers.
An amendment to the bill also means victims whose cases were settled during the last few weeks because the court would not adjourn their claim can now apply to the court again to seek the full value of their award.
Reversing decision made earlier this year about Mesothelioma
The Compensation Bill aims to reverse a House of Lords ruling on 3rd May 2006 over mesothelioma payouts.
Victims of the devastating disease have been left in limbo after the Law Lords made it harder to bring a successful case against employers where claimants had worked for more than one company.
The test case involved a compensation claim brought by Sunderland widow Mary Murray. The 84-year-old was awarded £45,000 in March 2004 after her husband John contracted the fatal illness, mesothelioma through exposure to asbestos during his time as a welder in various North East shipyards.
Mr Murray died in 1999, but one of his employers, British Shipbuilders (Hydrodynamics) Ltd., argued it should only pay a portion of the compensation because it had only contributed towards 42% of Mr Murray's asbestos exposure.
The House of Lords sided with the employers but weeks after the ruling Prime Minister Tony Blair gave his backing to a campaign to reverse the decision.
He said the Compensation Bill, a law to help regulate the personal injury claims industry, would be amended to ensure mesothelioma victims received their full entitlement.
This amendment tabled by the Government gives claimants in the future the ability to obtain full compensation from any of the companies who were at fault in exposing them to asbestos. It also allows mesothelioma victims, whose claims were settled following the House of Lords decision, to have their case reviewed. Some of those victims were left with massively reduced payments, with one North East widow left with £100,000 less than she was entitled to.
Head of Asbestos Litigation at Thompsons Solicitors in Newcastle, Ian McFall led the campaign to restore full compensation for victims.
He said: “The House of Lords decision devastated many mesothelioma sufferers and their families around the country".
“I congratulate the Government for moving swiftly to give certainty to claimants.”
“It is a monumental step in the fight to ensure mesothelioma victims again have access to the justice they deserve.”
We have covered all devlopments in this case on our News Desk previously. For more information visit 'Widow speaks out about Government’s compassion for mesothelioma victims', 'Government shows real compassion, but must act for all victims, lawyers say', 'Thompsons calls for swift action after Prime Minister's announcement on asbestos', 'Lords slash asbestos compensation'.
Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related illness, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.
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