March 8th, 2005

It is estimated that around three hundred people in the UK have already died whilst awaiting compensation news from American bosses at Federal Mogul, which owns Turner & Newall, where many of the victims worked in the 1970s. As the compensation disputes drag on with Federal Mogul, those that have contracted mesothelioma are dying without ever seeing a penny of the compensation. At the moment there are estimated to be around 1220 UK claims against the company.

Disputes arose over the company paying UK workers that had been affected with asbestos exposure jut one fifth of the amount being offered to US workers that had been affected in the same way. Federal Mogul went into administration in 2001, and all compensation payouts were frozen. Disputes over compensation payouts have been going on since this time, but for many of the claimants the payout will never come in time for them to see it.

The claims against Federal Mogul are from those that worked for Turner & Newhall, asbestos manufacturers, and also from family members of workers, a number of whom contracted asbestos related disease and illness through contact with workers’ clothes and skin. As the dispute continues, more and more of the claimants are losing hope of being around to see any of the compensation. Ian McFall, of Thompson’s Solicitors, said: "It is shocking that so many people have died while waiting for compensation payments."

Federal Mogul made a statement listing subsidiary companies from which workers may be entitled to payouts, and mention has also been made of a trust fund for payouts. The statement read: The plan proposes the creation of a trust to pay asbestos personal injury claims."