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6th February 2009
UK’s MPs support plaques campaign
Campaign for compensation for pleural plaques victims
MPs from across the UK have put their weight behind a campaign to compensate people diagnosed with pleural plaques.An Early Day Motion in the House of Commons has attracted signatures from 130 MPs from as far afield as Newcastle to Essex.
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.
The Early Day Motion calls on a reversal of the Law Lords decision that has deprived pleural plaques sufferers of much needed compensation.
It also states that members are alarmed that Pamela Abernathy from the Forum of Insurance Lawyers said ‘plaques are a good thing and do not cause harm’.
Exposed to asbestos in the workplace
Thousands of people in the North East 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.
Thousands of workers across the UK 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.
Before then average awards of between £5,000 to £15,000 were made for pleural plaques with the first successful cases being decided in 1984.
Call for Government to reinstate compensation for pleural plaques
Following pressure from the unions last year the Government held a consultation looking at a number of different options to bring redress to people diagnosed with pleural plaques. The results of that consultation were expected to be revealed last year.
The MPs who signed the EDM have called for the Government to reinstate compensation for people with pleural plaques and to make an announcement without further delay.
Thompsons Solicitors who represent hundreds of people with pleural plaques are supporting the campaign. Ian McFall, head of asbestos policy at Thompsons said: “People with pleural plaques have been harmed because they went to work with no protection in conditions which were dangerous. The Law Lords dismissed their claims while saving the insurers a fortune. The Government has a responsibility to do what is fair and just by restoring the right to compensation. Ultimately it’s a question of social justice.”
Asbestos Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed pleural plaques or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for free and sympathetic expert legal 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 compensation claim. 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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