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17 Oct 07
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A ruling by the Law Lords will exclude sufferers of an asbestos-related condition from claiming compensation.
The Law Lords say that pleural plaques isn’t technically a disease and therefore shouldn’t be subject to compensation claims. Pleural plaques – thick scar tissue on the chest lining and diaphragm – form after exposure to asbestos. They can make breathing difficult and lead to further respiratory complications, such as lung cancer and mesothelioma.
The decision is thought to affect hundreds of former Clyde ship-workers and has been condemned by the unions.
The unions had appealed against an earlier ruling by the Court of Appeal in January 2006. Insurance companies wanted to stop payments because pleural plaques have no symptoms. The High Court ruled in 2005 that those who had the condition should receive compensation because of the increased risk of developing other conditions, although the payments were reduced from between £5,000 and £15,000 to £3,000 and £7,000.