Deadline day for claims

No win, no fee solicitors have urged those suffering from the asbestos-related condition pleural plaques to act quickly to ensure they receive asbestos compensation under the relevant government scheme.

However, there is a proviso – only those claimants who commenced proceedings before October 17, 2007 will be able to claim. This is because of a decision made by the House of Lords on this date to disentitle pleural plaques claimants from compensation. This decision was made on the still controversial grounds that it is an apparently symptom-free condition.

One York-based no win, no fee solicitor urged those in his area to act now to ensure justice. "York has more than its fair share of these claims, given the previous railway industry," he said.
Adding, "There is a sad history of men who have acquired diseases relating to the potentially deadly fibres, including pleural plaques, asbestosis and lung cancer. Men who worked at the carriageworks are particularly at risk as the railway carriages used to be packed with asbestos."

Other no win, no fee solicitors were keen to point out that even if a pleural plaques sufferer does receive compensation, he or she is still entitled to make an asbestos claim in the event of future illness such as asbestosis or mesothelioma.