Rules to changes on asbestos compensation

THE families of victims of the fatal asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma who cannot trace a liable employer will soon be able to apply for compensation packages worth around £123,000.

Three weeks ago we reported how a widow who launched an appeal to find former workmates of her late husband who died from the disease as part of a legal investigation.

Terence Illidge died of mesothelioma in August 2013, aged 72. His wife Beryl claimed he was exposed to asbestos in the 60s and 70s while working for Rugby firm George Law Limited - now owned by Stepnell - to come forward with information about working conditions.

From next month victims or their families can apply for compensation from from the government which has set aside £380million for claims.

Mesothelioma can takes 40 to 50 years to present symptoms after exposure to asbestos. It has resulted in over 300 people every year struggling to find a relevant party to sue for damages because companies become insolvent or insurance records go missing.

Work and Pensions Minister Mike Penning said: "This will end years of injustice for mesothelioma victims and their families, who have had to endure this terrible disease with little hope of any compensation from the insurance industry.

“We have made it an absolute priority to bring in the scheme as soon as legislation will allow, so I am pleased to announce that victims will be able to apply for payments from next month.”

The Mesothelioma Act was passed in January and allowed for the creation of a new package of support – funded by insurance firms – to pay in excess of 800 eligible people in 2014 and 300 every year after that, until 2024.

Victims or their families will receive substantially higher payments than the statutory schemes currently operated by Government. They will also get an additional £7,000 towards legal expenses.

The claims handling company Gallagher Bassett has been appointed to run the compensation scheme.

Share This

Regional news »