July 27th, 2007

A union in the UK is fighting for justice for victims of asbestos related disease as the House of Lords makes a decision with regards to whether certain asbestos victims should be allowed to claim compensation. Unite, a UK based union, wants victims of pleural plaques, a disease caused by asbestos exposure, to be awarded compensation.

In 2005 the UK Court of Appeals overturned a decision by the High Courts, where it was determined that victims of this disease should receive compensation. The House of Lords in the UK is now due to rule on compensation for sufferers of pleural plaques, with a decision expected towards the end of June.

Unless the current decision is overturned, those suffering with this lung scarring, which is caused by exposure to the potentially deadly asbestos, could lose the right to claim for compensation.

A spokesperson for Unite stated: "Unite has led this campaign and taken this case on behalf of our members. We are urging the House of Lords to restore compensation for pleural plaques sufferers. People with pleural plaques should be compensated for the genuine injury that asbestos exposure has caused. That is why Unite has taken the lead on behalf of our members and all pleural plaques sufferers to get this cruel decision reversed."