Ministry of Justice Releases Paper on Pleural Plaques Consultation
On 9 July 2008 the government opened a consultation to consider what would be the most appropriate way of supporting people diagnosed with Pleural Plaques.
The consultation is in response to the Law Lords unanimous decision to end the compensation of people diagnosed with asbestos related pleural plaques. The ruling was made in the Johnston v NEI International Combustion Ltd and conjoined cases (known at earlier stages as Rothwell v Chemical & Insulating Co Ltd) on 17 October 2007. The case upheld the earlier decision of the Court of Appeal in 2006 and overturned 20 years of earlier case law.
In her comments on the opening of the consultation, Justice Minister Bridget Prentice MP explained:
'We understand the concern and anxiety experienced by people who have been exposed to dangerous substances like asbestos, and who have been told they have pleural plaques.
The Law Lords have made their decision on legal grounds but those with pleural plaques may still need support. We need to find the best way forward to provide that support."
The closing date for consultation is 1st October 2008.
In response to the House of Lords ruling, Hugh James has set up the nationwide Pleural Plaques Register which allows people to register their diagnosis of Pleural Plaques along with their work history and asbestos exposure. If they develop a more serious asbestos condition in the future their case can be investigated more quickly.
If you or a member of your family have been affected by Pleural Plaques or other asbestos related diseases and would like to talk to a member of our asbestos team, please email cenric.clement.evans@hughjames.com or telephone 01685 371122.
To read the government consultation on Pleural Plaques, please click here.
To read more about the Pleural Plaques Register, please click here.
To review the Hugh James news release issued at the time of the House of Lords ruling on Pleural Plaques on 17 October 2007, please click here.
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