 Government To Compensate Former Pleural Plaques Claimants
 Brigitte Chandler Swindon solicitor, Brigitte Chandler has welcomed today's Government decision to make payments to workers who had begun legal proceedings for compensation for pleural plaques.
Pleural plaques are small, localised areas of fibrosis caused by exposure to asbestos fibres.
Until October 2007 workers who had developed pleural plaques as a result of exposure to asbestos at work had been entitled to compensation. However, in 2007, the House of Lords upheld a Court of Appeal decision that the existence of pleural plaques did not justify compensation.
"I have literally hundreds and hundreds of clients who have been in limbo since 2007, hoping the House of Lords judgement would be reversed," says Brigitte Chandler, a partner with Charles Lucas & Marshall and who has represented victims of asbestos disease for the last 30 years.
"Today's announcement, while far from ideal, is at least an acknowledgement by the Government that these workers are entitled to something. While the Government is refusing to overturn the House of Lords decision it is at least recognising the difficult circumstances of these people."
Claimants who had unresolved legal claims prior to 2007 will be entitled to a one off payment of £5,000. The decision only applies to claimants in England and Wales because in Scotland and Northern Ireland the House of Lords ruling has been over-turned.
The Government also announced it is going to set up a working group so claims for mesothelioma - an asbestos related cancer - can be speeded up.
For more information contact Brigitte Chandler on 01793 511055 or brigitte.chandler@clmlaw.co.uk
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