PRESS RELEASE

March 11th, 2009

Green light for pleural plaques claims

MSPs this week removed a major legal barrier preventing people suffering past exposure to asbestos from receiving their rightful compensation.

Greenock and Inverclyde MSP Duncan McNeil has welcomed the passing of a bill that will now allow those with asbestos-related conditions to pursue damages.

The cross-party bill overturns a House of Lords ruling that damages could not be claimed for pleural plaques, a benign scarring of the lungs.

Mr McNeil took part in the debate and met with delighted campaigners from groups such as Clydeside Action on Asbestos and Clydebank Action at the Parliament.

He said: “While those pursuing damages still have a tough fight on their hands, this law will go someone to easing the process of claiming damages.

“In my own area of Greenock and Inverclyde, the legacy of asbestos is one we know all too well and I believe it is only fair that people get what they are due.

“Unfortunately, they have had to endure insurance companies who will try every trick in the book to avoid paying up.

“This bill could go some way to ending the humiliation victims have had to go through to get the compensation they deserve.

“I consider this a real victory for the Parliament in gaining cross-party support to put right this injustice

“And it was great to meet with the people from the pressure groups and unions who have been working tirelessly to secure this bill – all credit for this goes to them.”

Frank Maguire, a senior partner at Thompsons, the law firm who have led the fight for pleural plaques compensation, said: “The campaign to secure the legal position for pleural plaque sufferers has been ongoing for over two years.

“During this time people have continued to be diagnosed with this disease only to be told that although the condition was caused by the actions of their employers, they could not obtain compensation. 

“The new law is certainly welcome as it confirms the rights of people with pleural plaque.”

ENDS