Pleural Plaques
Thank you so much for handling my case so well. You came to know us at a great time of sadness and you were so kind. We will always remember you as very professional but also very warm hearted.
Sylvia, Tamworth
Pleural plaques is the name given to scarring of the lining of the lung caused by asbestos. This form of scarring is benign and does not usually cause any significant symptoms. Pleural plaques indicate that you have in the past been exposed to asbestos in unprotected conditions and you may have a slightly increased risk of going on to develop a more serious asbestos-related illness in the future.
latest update on pleural plaques compensation
HISTORY
Compensation for pleural plaques sufferers was stopped by the courts in 2006. Previously sufferers claiming compensation through the courts had been able to opt for either:
a) a ‘provisional’ compensation award with a small payment of compensation now, and the right to return to court for more compensation in the future should they develop a more serious asbestos related disease.
Or
b) a ‘full and final’ payment with a higher amount of compensation being paid but no right to go back to court in the future if they developed a more serious asbestos related disease.
Currently those with pleural plaques alone have no entitlement to compensation through the courts or entitlement to Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit or a payment under the Workers Compensation Act scheme.
THE CAMPAIGN
- Intense lobbying to change the law back since 2006.
- Government consultation which closed in October 2008.
- In January 2009 an MP put forward a Private Member’s Bill (this is a Bill proposing a change in the law put forward by an individual MP rather than the government or a Minister; this kind of Bill rarely succeeds in becoming law but it is not impossible that it will do).
CURRENT POSITION
Still no right to compensation for pleural plaques through the courts.
Government have not yet announced what, if anything, they will do. They will publish the results of their consultation soon. We do not know what will become of the Private Member’s Bill. An announcement from the government has been promised before end of July 2009.
In Scotland they legislated to reinstate the right to compensation for pleural plaques sufferers: the Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Act will now come into effect on 17 June; the insurance industry are challenging this through the courts and it may take 2-3 years for their legal challenge to be resolved.
QUOTES FROM THE POLITICIANS
Gordon Brown: House of Commons statement: 11 Feb 2009: “It’s important that we get a resolution following the court judgment on pleural plaques. I can assure you there will be an announcement very soon.”
Bridget Prentice: Ministry of Justice: Newcastle Evening Chronicle 12 Feb 2009: “Something will be coming forth from the government very, very soon.”
Gordon Brown: House of Commons statement: 8 April 2008: “It is right that we look again at this as a result of legal actions that have been taken about the obligations of insurance companies. The Justice Secretary will make a statement on this when we return after Easter.”
And on the second reading of the pleural plaques Private Member's Bill:
David Hanson: Ministry of Justice: House of Commons statement: 24 April 2009: “the Government might not support all in the Bill but…it should proceed to Committee... as a serious issue and as it affects peoples’ lives”
Natascha Engel (PPS (Rt Hon Liam Byrne, Minister of State), Cabinet Office; North East Derbyshire, Labour)
When does the Secretary of State intend to publish his response to the Government's consultation on pleural plaques? I do not have to tell my right Hon. Friend how serious the issue is. Quite a large number of people are literally dying to hear his reply.
Jack Straw (Lord Chancellor, Ministry of Justice; Blackburn, Labour)
Of course, I fully acknowledge the concern of my Hon. Friend and other Hon. Members on both sides of the House about that issue. Consideration of the responses, of which we have received quite a number following publication of our paper on the way forward, is taking longer than we anticipated, because of the complexity involved. However, I certainly intend that we should come to conclusions before the summer recess.
Specialist pleural plaques solicitors
More than anything, we aim to keep things clear, simple and as straightforward as possible for our clients, so there’s no need for you to worry at any point about the legal complexities or technicalities of your case. You’ll be kept informed throughout the claims process which, put simply, looks like this:
- Your free initial consultation gives us a clear understanding of your pleural plaques claim.
- If you have a case we assign our best legal team with the expertise to handle your claim.
- The legal team will investigate and build evidence to back up your case.
- We keep in touch with you throughout, so you’re always well informed.
- Finally, with your approval, we arrive at the best settlement possible.
Make contact as soon as possible
Your health is a priority, so don’t put off seeking medical advice if you suspect you have been affected by asbestos.
Time limits apply, so make sure you also seek our advice as soon as you are able. The longer you leave your claim, the more difficult it can be to pursue.
Talk to an expert about making a claim
Call us on 0870 024 0558 or fill in our claim form and we will get back to you.