News In Focus
14 December 2006
Asbestos victims to benefit early from new law
People suffering from asbestos-related cancer will be able to benefit from backdated amendments to the law when the Mesothelioma Damages Bill becomes law, the Scottish Executive has announced.
The bill will allow mesothelioma sufferers to settle a damages claim during their lifetime without prejudicing their families right to claim compensation after their death.
As introduced, the bill will apply where the sufferer recovers damages or obtains a full settlement on or after the date the bill comes into force, which will be seven days after Royal Assent. The new amendment will bring forward the date from which families will be able to take advantage of the new measure to 20 December 2006.
Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont said: "Following further comments from families' representatives about the provisions in the bill, we have decided that this bill should apply to any case where the sufferer recovers damages or obtains a full settlement on or after 20 December.
"When mesothelioma strikes, we must ensure families receive the support they need and are not worried about legal choices. This legislation is designed to deliver exactly that."