Pleural plaques is a condition that causes scarring on the lungs and occurs as a result of asbestos exposure. There are no significant symptoms however the presence of pleural plaques does indicate previous exposure to asbestos, meaning there may be an increased risk of more serious diseases such as mesothelioma.
Sufferers of pleural plaques were previously able to claim compensation but in 2007 the House of Lords ruled that sufferers were no longer entitled to compensation.
Jack Straw’s decision means those who had already started a legal claim are still entitled to a £5,000 payment but no new claims will be possible.
The Government have however committed £3million for asbestos research and also proposed increased up-front payments for mesothelioma sufferers.
Alida Coates, a specialist asbestos diseases solicitor at Irwin Mitchell said: “Victims and their families need help but all they have been given is three years of discussions. Now a decision has been reached and while it is encouraging for anybody whose condition pre-dates 2007, it leaves the rest out in the cold,” she said.
Coates said the investment in a research centre, which would provide support for sufferers of mesothelioma and lung cancer, was more welcome news.
She said: “We have been campaigning for a National Centre for Asbestos-Related Diseases for years now and it is excellent news to see the Government is seriously attempting to provide support to sufferers of fatal asbestos-related conditions.
“However, as broadly welcome as this announcement is, the devil will, as always, be in the detail – it will be interesting to see how these plans develop, and how quickly. The development of this centre should be a matter of priority and sufferers of fatal asbestos-related diseases should not be made to wait any more for state support.
“It’s unacceptable that anyone should be left with a fatal illness because their health was not protected at work – and we will fight for justice for each and every one of our clients who are the victims of this dreadful disease.”