 'Fund of Last Resort' Could Be Good News for Building Industry Asbestos Victims
 Brigitte Chandler One of the UK's leading solicitors in asbestos-related compensation claims says that plans by the Government to introduce a 'fund of last resort' for victims of asbestos disease is potentially good news for workers in the building industry.
However, Brigitte Chandler, who has represented workers with asbestos related conditions for over 30 years, says she is also bitterly disappointed that people suffering from pleural plaques are now unlikely to be compensated.
The Government is set to present a £70 million package of help for asbestos victims but have indicated they are not prepared to overturn a 2007 law lords' ruling which left sufferers of pleural plaques ineligible for compensation.
Under the proposals the Government will set up a research centre into asbestos-linked diseases and insist that insurers fund compensation for victims who are dying as a result of asbestos and who have no employers' insurance to rely on.
There will also be more money for sufferers of the deadly asbestos cancer, mesothelioma.
"The establishment of an Employers Liability Insurance Bureau to maintain a 'fund of last resort' is good news," says Brigitte Chandler. "One of the problems we consistently face is tracing employers' insurance companies. This is a particular problem in the building industry where very small companies were operating 40 - 50 years ago and are no longer in business."
She says the decision on pleural plaques - due to be announced by the Government this week - is an injustice to many of the clients she is representing.
"Pleural plaques are a sign that a person has breathed in asbestos fibres," she says. "Many people go on to develop more serious asbestos disease such as cancer.
"This was an opportunity for the Government to do the right thing before they left office. A lot of people will not get the compensation they deserve."
The pleural plaques decision means there will be one rule for Scotland and Ireland - where victims are entitled to compensation - and a different rule for England and Wales.
The Government will put its proposals to trade unions this week who are likely to welcome the fund as time is running out before the next general election.
People suffering from more serious illnesses such as mesothelioma or asbestosis will continue to be compensated by their employers.
For more information contact Brigitte Chandler on 01793 511055 or brigitte.chandler@clmlaw.co.uk
Brigitte Chandler (contact details):
 |
Back to Main News Page