Right to Pleural Plaques Compensation restored for Northern Ireland
Belfast solicitors Thompsons McClure has welcomed Northern Ireland’s Assembly’s decision to pass a Bill which recognises the concerns of those suffering from an asbestos related condition.
The Assembly passed The Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) Bill NI which restores the right to claim compensation for pleural plaques.
The passing of the Bill will come as a huge relief to the many people 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.
The right to claim compensation for pleural plaques was ended by the House of Lords in 2007.
Scotland also restored right to Pleural Plaques Compensation
Since the decision both the Scottish Parliament and now the Northern Ireland Assembly have passed Bills restoring the right to claim.
Oonagh McClure from Thompsons McClure said: “We welcome this decision which will pave the way for many people in Northern Ireland who have been diagnosed with pleural plaques to claim compensation. 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 just that they receive compensation.”
Ian McFall head of asbestos policy at Thompsons McClure’s sister company Thompsons Solicitors in England said: “This 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 are exposed to asbestos and develop pleural plaques have an illness 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.