Former industrial workers eligible for £5k each in asbestos compensation

Ex-industrial workers in Swindon who suffer from an asbestos-related illness can now claim £5,000 each in personal injury compensation from the government.

Under a new initiative from the Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition, all people who have pleural plaques will be eligible for a damages award from the Ministry of Justice for their health issues.

And, according to the Swindon Advertiser, residents of the Wiltshire town - which is situated at the centre of the M4 corridor - could benefit most from this new legislation as there are "dozens" of people from there who will be able to make a claim.

This is because the town employed many workers who may have been exposed to the potentially life-threatening substance during its period of rail development.

Compensation claims for pleural plaques - which involve a thickening of the lining of the internal part of the ribcage - had previously been suspended following a decision made by the House of Lords.

Posted by Patrick White
 

27/08/2010 15:42