Thousands of Asbestos Victims at Risk of Losing Compensation

Hundreds of Yorkshire claimants, including dozens of men who worked on rail carriage construction in York, may lose the right to compensation for pleural plaques, a lung condition caused by asbestos exposure. The condition, which affects 14,000 people annually, results in patches of thickening in the lungs and can lead to more severe asbestos-related diseases. The insurance industry faces estimated annual costs of £1 billion in compensation for these claims.

Key Takeaways:

• Norwich Union is challenging the eligibility of pleural plaques sufferers for compensation in the Court of Appeal, potentially affecting thousands of victims.
• The condition affects 14,000 people annually, with hundreds of Yorkshire claimants, including rail carriage construction workers, at risk of losing compensation.
• Pleural plaques are not life-threatening but can lead to more severe asbestos-related diseases, such as mesothelioma, which has a 14-month fatality rate.
• The insurance industry estimates that asbestos-related claims will cost up to £10 billion over the next 40 years.
• Law firm Thompson's, representing many trade unions, is fighting on behalf of the victims in the Court of Appeal.
• The Court of Appeal case began on Monday, with Norwich Union appealing the High Court's ruling that reduced compensation levels for pleural plaques.

Statistics:

• 14,000 people claim compensation for pleural plaques every year.
• The estimated annual cost to the insurance industry for pleural plaques compensation is £1 billion.
• Asbestos-related claims are expected to cost UK insurers up to £10 billion over the next 40 years.
• Pleural plaques sufferers are at risk of developing more severe asbestos-related diseases, including mesothelioma, which has a 14-month fatality rate.

Sources:

• "Asbestos victims 'may lose compensation'," [Source: News article cut-off at 'this week']
• "Asbestos victims in compensation struggle," [Source: News article cut-off at 'Last February']