April 23rd, 2007

A campaign is to be launched in England to try and increase the level of payouts received by victims of asbestos related disease. Campaigners are trying to get higher payouts for those that have contracted asbestos related cancer from inhaling dust and fibers from airborne asbestos debris. The payout levels in England are much lower than those in Scotland according to figures, and when it comes to making a claim only the victim or the husband or wife can make a claim in England, and not other members of the family.

One official from a firm of solicitors stated that negligent firms should be made to pay more when someone falls victim to this type of cancer, which can reduce the lifespan of the victim to just a few months following onset of symptoms. He added: "The relationship between asbestos exposure and fatal lung disease has been known for many decades."

According to those campaigning for the rise in asbestos related payouts, around two thousand people are likely to die this year alone from asbestos related cancer, and by the year 2020 they estimate that around ninety thousand will die from the cancer. This form of cancer can take several decades to develop from the time of exposure, but following the onset of symptoms the health of the victim will usually decline rapidly.

An attorney stated: "We blame the companies who were responsible for exposing people to asbestos at a time when those companies knew, or ought to have known, that asbestos could and does cause fatal lung disease. If the employer still exists and has the assets to meet the claim then we expect those negligent to pay the compensation. Very often the companies don't exist any more, but their insurers will have the means to meet the claims."