What is Pleural Plaques?
Pleural Plaques is an asbestosis related condition, and are a marking on the lining of the lungs, after exposure to asbestos. The marks do not cause any harm to the lungs and is often asymptomatic. Pleural Plaques is benign but a sufferer may later develop asbestosis or other asbestos related diseases.
Case Law on Pleural Plaques Compensation
In 2012, the insurance companies, which often had to pay compensation to sufferers, took some test cases to the House of Lord. The decision in the House of Lords in the case of Johnson v NEI International Combustion Limited was handed down on 17 October 2007.
In this case, the House of Lords decided that because Pleural Plaques is an asymptomatic disease, and does not itself lead to other asbestosis related disease, the suffers are not entitled to be compensated. If, however, they develop one of the other asbestos related diseases which are symptomatic, and usually fatal, they can be compensated.
Following the House of Lord’s decision in the case of Johnson, the Ministry of Justice announced that they would set up a scheme to allow people, who worked in England and Wales and had begun a claim for compensation before the decision in Johnson, to continue their claims against the insurers.
Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme
The Pleural Plaques Compensation Scheme was created in 2012, whereby a claimant, who had begun their claim before 17 October 2007, could apply under the scheme for a compensation sum of £5,000, but that applications should be made no later than 1 August 2011. The scheme has now closed in England and Wales.
How Nelsons Can Help
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