House of Commons Debate on Pleural Plaques
On Wednesday 26 November 2008, the House of Commons held a debate on the issue of compensation for sufferers with pleural plaques. Pleural plaques are scarring of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos.
The debate was fuelled by the House of Lords decision of Johnston V NEI in October last year that pleural plaques did not constitute a compensatable injury. This overturned 20 years of case law. Following the Lords’ decision there was “outcry” and the Government responded by issuing a Consultation paper to consider what steps, if any, should be taken to overturn the Lords’ decision.
Whilst pleural plaques are a benign asbestos related disease and rarely cause symptoms, they are clear evidence of significant exposure to asbestos and the sufferers are at an increased risk of developing other asbestos related conditions such as the fatal cancer, Mesothelioma. Further, many pleural plaque sufferers experience anxiety, sometimes causing psychiatric conditions.
Following the House of Lords decision solicitors of Boyes Turner have contributed to and fully supported the campaign to restore compensation and we welcome the debate last Wednesday which urged the Government to change the law and overturn the Lords’ previous decision.
The results of the consultation are expected to be made public very shortly and a report will be posted on our website.
Consistent with our policy when giving comment and advice on a
non-specific basis, we cannot assume legal responsibility for the accuracy of any particular statement. In the case of specific problems
we recommend that professional advice be sought.
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