You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story

16th March 2009

Pleural plaques postcode lottery

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.

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate compensation claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any personal 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.