Negligent Employers May Get Off Scot-Free, Warns Kent Lawyer

28 June 2007

Workers who have been exposed to asbestos by negligent employers may not be eligible for compensation unless a Court of Appeal’s ruling is overturned by the House of Lords, warns a Kent lawyer.

Neille Ryan, personal injury and industrial disease specialist at leading south east law firm Furley Page, said: “The House of Lords’ decision is expected soon although it could be a matter of months rather than weeks which is just prolonging the anxiety for the claimants.

“Last year the Court of Appeal decided that pleural plaques – the first sign of asbestos damage which in many cases leads to more serious asbestos-related illness – don’t justify compensation. The claimants appealed to the House of Lords on the premise that while these plaques don’t cause any physical symptoms, those diagnosed are sentenced to a lifetime of uncertainty and distress wondering if they will be one of the unlucky ones.”

If the ruling isn’t overturned negligent employers will get off scot-free, adds Neille who says that over the years Kent workers may have been exposed to asbestos in several industries including Chatham Dockyards, Kent Coalfield and the construction and demolition sectors.

For more information contact Neille Ryan

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