Pleural plaques compensation scheme details announced

In October 2007, the House of Lords ruled that pleural plaques did not represent a sufficiently serious asbestos-related condition to warrant the payment of compensation.  Following this judgment, some MPs, trades unions and asbestos support groups, among others, put pressure on the government to overturn the House of Lords’ decision.  In February 2010 the Labour government said that it would not introduce legislation to allow claims for pleural plaques to proceed, and the new coalition government has now confirmed that it will not do this either reports Moore Blatch industrial disease specialist Michael Osborne.

However, the Ministry of Justice has set up a scheme which will pay £5,000 compensation to a limited category of men and women who have pleural plaques.  In order to qualify for payment, a claimant must have been diagnosed with pleural plaques as a result of exposure to asbestos, must have attempted to claim damages for the condition before 17th October 2007 (the date of the House of Lords’ decision) and must not have resolved his/her case.

What is required for an applicant to show that he/she “has attempted to claim damages” can take the form of several different types of documentation and varies depending on whether the claimant had a solicitor acting for him/her or not.

Applications under the scheme must be made by 1st August 2011.  They can be made by phone on 0300 303 8150 or on-line http://pleuralplaques.justice.gov.uk/

Moore Blatch Resolve is helping clients who qualify for a payment under the scheme with their applications.  We are happy to advise other men and women who may be eligible about making an application.  Please contact Michael Osborne on 0208 332 8636 / 023 8071 8092 or email michael.osborne@mooreblatch.com