Pleural plaques are a form of scarring of the lungs caused by their being penetrated by asbestos fibres. Since pleural plaques do not themselves cause any physical symptoms, the House of Lords ruled last year that compensation was not payable to people who have developed them as a result of exposure to asbestos at work.
However, the decision caused considerable disquiet since the development of pleural plaques can be a precursor to the development of a more serious asbestos-related disease. The condition can therefore cause considerable anxiety to anyone diagnosed with it.
The Government has therefore proposed that in England and Wales, a ‘no-fault’ insurance scheme should be set up to pay compensation to people diagnosed with pleural plaques.
A consultation paper was launched to consider how such a scheme would operate. The consultation exercise ended on 1 October and proposals are expected in 2009.
However, the decision caused considerable disquiet since the development of pleural plaques can be a precursor to the development of a more serious asbestos-related disease. The condition can therefore cause considerable anxiety to anyone diagnosed with it.
The Government has therefore proposed that in England and Wales, a ‘no-fault’ insurance scheme should be set up to pay compensation to people diagnosed with pleural plaques.
A consultation paper was launched to consider how such a scheme would operate. The consultation exercise ended on 1 October and proposals are expected in 2009.
