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 disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.