The Court of Appeal has overturned a ruling that thousands of people suffering from pleural plaques - an asbestos-related disease should receive compensation.
"This is a very disappointing decision from the Court, although not all Judges agreed," said specialist industrial disease solicitor Gina Heather.
"The decision means that employers who knew or ought to have known of the dangers of asbestos and still exposed their employees and others to the risk of injury will avoid compensating for what is irreparable damage to someone's lungs."
"People who suffer from asymptomatic pleural plaques may not suffer any immediate health problems but they have suffered a physical injury in the form of damage to their lungs. They also face an increased risk of developing a more serious illness. Whilst this may be a small risk in some cases, it is still higher than the general public and this is solely as a result of their exposure to asbestos."
BackRelated news stories
- 26/06/2006: Victims of asbestos related diseases banned access to drug Alimta
- 13/06/2006: Compensation for asbestos related diseases - Government to challenge Lords’ ruling
- 01/02/2006: Action Mesothelioma Day
- 06/06/2005: Asbestos claims still to peak
- 09/03/2005: Mesothelioma sufferers to benefit from advisory group
- 15/02/2005: Pleural Plaques: sufferers entitled to compensation
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