Pleural Plaques: sufferers entitled to compensation
15/02/2005
Thank you very much for the brilliant service, professionalism and caring attitude whilst handling my recent claim.
Vicki, SheffieldA High Court judge has ruled that thousands of people with pleural plaques: scarring on the lungs as a result of exposure to asbestos, are entitled to compensation.
The judge accepted they had an increased risk of developing other asbestos-related diseases, and that having the plaques caused anxiety.
Between £5,000 and £15,000 has been awarded to tens of thousands of people with pleural plaques since three High Court rulings in the 1980s made the condition "compensatable".
That will now be reduced to about £3,000 for provisional payments, and about £7,000 for full and final settlements.
Those claiming the lower provisional amount have the right to return with a later claim, should they develop a more serious asbestos-related disease.
That right was also protected by Mr Justice Holland's ruling at the High Court in Newcastle.
The judgement was welcomed by the trade union Amicus, who estimated it would affect about 14,000 cases every year.
Alexander Harris currently represents the interests of a number of people with pleural plaques.
One gentleman was employed by the Central Electricity Generating Board (CEGB) in the 1960s. Asbestos was used widely in power stations at this time. Working as an engineer, he was directly exposed to asbestos on a daily basis, with no personal protective equipment and no extraction facilities within the working environment. He now suffers from pleural plaques, and it is possible he may also be suffering from asbestosis.
Specialist industrial disease solicitor Gina Heather said:
"We welcome the High Court ruling. It represents a positive step for all those affected by exposure to asbestos, who have been fighting for some kind of compensation in recognition of their ongoing anxiety, living with the knowledge that one day their condition might worsen."
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