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By SheldonDavidsonSolicitors
Insurers and solicitors have been reacting to the government’s proposed Mesothelioma Bill, which sets out a new scheme for compensating victims who cannot trace their insurer.
The Bill, which is set to be passed into law in the next few weeks, will see victims in these cases receive 75% of the average compensation awarded to Mesothelioma sufferers who are able to take the matter to court.
This money will come from a levy imposed on employers’ liability insurers, a fund which will also be used to continue research into a cure for the industrial disease.
Some analysts have commented that this represents a reasonable compromise for victims and insurers. In particular, they have noted that some of the insurance companies who will contribute to the levy have only been established relatively recently.
As most Mesothelioma victims have developed their condition over many years, it follows that these insurers are not linked to any business responsible for providing working conditions that caused staff to suffer from the disease.
However, some have been less welcoming. Karl Tonks from The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) said the organisation was “disappointed” at the final outcome, adding: “Our perspective throughout has been the correct level [of compensation] is 100%”.
Despite this view, he conceded it was “good” that there was at least some money available for victims.
Work and Pensions minister Mike Penning came under fire from some quarters of the House of Commons who felt he could have secured a better deal for victims.
In response, Mr Penning explained that he felt the need to be “pragmatic” in order to ensure that compensation was available sooner rather than later for these victims. He said that, while he would have preferred to try and force the cap up to 80%, such a move would have cast doubt over whether the Bill would receive royal assent.
Additionally, one proposed amendment wanted to take the entire debate back to its initial consultation phase, which began in 2010. Mr Penning surmised that following this suggestion would have cost up to £80 million.
If you have been diagnosed with Mesothelioma or any other industrial disease as a result of unsafe working conditions throughout your career, Sheldon Davidson Solicitors may be able to help.
As we have seen, how much you can claim in compensation hinges on whether your former employer’s insurer can be found.
If you feel as though you have sustained an industrial disease as a result of third-party negligence, Sheldon Davidson Solicitors' team of Manchester Personal Injury Lawyers will handle all aspects of your claim, ensuring you are awarded the maximum compensation available to you.
Sheldon Davidson Solicitors are personal injury claim specialists with expertise in settling a varied range of Personal Injury Claims, including everything from Industrial Disease Claims to Medical Negligence Claims, such as Delayed Diagnosis Claims.
We have a strong record of obtaining practical financial support and high-quality medical care for our clients. To find out more about pursuing your claim, contact our team or fill in our online claim form.
