Call back for new
personal injury claims only
Leave your details to request a call back.
NI assembly reverses asbestos compensation law
Pleural Plaques Compensation in Northern Ireland
People in Northern Ireland suffering from the asbestos related condition pleural plaques are able to claim compensation from today (Wednesday, December 14, 2011).
Belfast solicitors Thompsons McClure, which has worked closely with trade unions in campaigning for this legislation, has welcomed the Northern Ireland’s Assembly’s decision to allow those with pleural plaques to seek compensation once again.
The Assembly passed The Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) Bill NI which restores the right to claim compensation for pleural plaques. It could see sufferers claiming up to £15,000 in damages.
Marker of irreversible asbestos induced damage to their lungs
The right to claim compensation for pleural plaques was ended by the House of Lords in 2007.
Since the decision both the Northern Ireland Assembly and the Scottish Parliament have passed Bills restoring the right to claim.
The reinstated right to claim damages for the condition will come as a relief to many in Northern Ireland who have been diagnosed with pleural plaques and who regard the condition as a physical marker of irreversible asbestos induced damage to their lungs.
Pleural plaques seldom causes symptoms but many with the condition worry that they may develop a fatal illness.
Pleural plaques are scars on the lining of the lung caused by asbestos
Derek Kane from Thompsons McClure said: “This is the moment pleural plaques sufferers and asbestos campaigners in Northern Ireland have been waiting for. The decision to deny them compensation was unjust. Pleural plaques are scars on the lining of the lung caused by asbestos and can cause great worry for those with a diagnosis. It is only right that they receive compensation.”
Ian McFall head of asbestos policy at Thompsons McClure’s sister company Thompsons Solicitors in England said: “This change in the law is sympathetic recognition by the Northern Ireland Assembly of the reality facing those suffering from asbestos related pleural plaques. A similar stance was taken in Scotland which leaves only government in England and Wales stubbornly refusing to accept what was, until very recently, regarded as the legal norm – that those who were exposed to asbestos and develop pleural plaques have an injury that should be compensated.”
Asbestos Compensation Claim Advice
If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for free and sympathetic expert legal advice.
Thompsons Solicitors have also written an information page with advice for people who have recently been exposed to asbestos but have not been diagnosed with a related illness.
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 compensation claim. Our specialist personal injury solicitors and 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.
Contact us about your accident or injury
Call us for free on 08000 224 224 Call us from your mobile on 0330 123 123 0 (charged at local number and free when covered by inclusive minutes) Request a call back Text CLAIM to 82010 (standard network rates apply)
