“New Asbestos Cancer Scheme Leaves Many Sufferers out in the Cold,” Says Asons Solicitors

The dangers of asbestos exposure today are more widely known, but for many who were exposed to asbestos in the past; the government’s efforts to aid those making asbestos related illness claims, are just not enough.

On the 25th of July, Lord Freud, Minister of the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), announced a scheme that would pay compensation in cases where employers’ liability insurance cannot be traced. A scheme that caters for mesothelioma claimants; whilst simultaneously ignoring sufferers of asbestosis, pleural thickening and lung cancers caused by asbestos exposure.

Statistics compiled by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), revealed that 2,321 people died in Britain in 2009 due to Mesothelioma alone. Whereas an estimated 2,000 people died from asbestos related lung cancer, and a further 411 deaths resulted from asbestosis. These figures have increased year on year since the 1980s and it’s a trend that looks set to continue.

Maureen Ferguson, the Industrial Disease Manager at Asons Solicitors said that:

“Asbestos related illnesses are becoming something of an epidemic with figures set to peak by 2016, so this is just the tip of the iceberg. Unfortunately, the government’s latest initiative is far too restrictive. Rather than catering for all asbestos related illnesses, it only caters for those looking to make a mesothelioma claim; excluding around 50% of those suffering with an asbestos related diseases. The dire irony is that the scheme will not come into force for another two years which regrettably, is an optimistic prognosis for those who have been recently diagnosed”.

The harsh truth is that many sufferers will die before the scheme comes into force and so, many of those who are suffering right now will be left out in the cold. According to Tony Whitson, Chairman of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, it would only cost the government an additional 20% to cover all asbestos related illnesses, but he cites pressure from “rich and powerful insurers” as a possible reason for limiting the scope of the initiative.

“What asbestos victims really need is assistance right now and the current scheme does nothing to help them. The inability to trace an employer’s liability insurance only occurs in around 10% of cases however, so anyone looking to make claims for pleural thickening, pleural plaques, asbestos related lung cancer or asbestosis compensation, could be assisted by a personal injury solicitor” adds Ms Ferguson.

So, for many individuals who have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma or other asbestos related illnesses; it is possible to trace past employers and their insurers to make a claim. Tracing and pursuing these liable parties takes specialist skill and expertise however, so if you feel that you or someone you know has been affected by asbestos exposure, it is important that you seek legal advice from an industrial disease solicitor as quickly as possible.

“Here at Asons Solicitors, we deal with a variety of asbestos related claims on a daily basis; so if you would like to know more on how to proceed in making a claim, or if you would like to know more about how government schemes can benefit you, you can contact us today. A member of our expert team will be able to provide you with the advice and support you need, whilst advising you on the next best steps to take” states Ms Fergusson 

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About Asons Solicitors:
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People “Gold Award”; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.

For further information contact:
Email: info@asons.co.uk
Website: www.asons.co.uk

Contact Information

Imran Akram

Managing Director

Asons Solicitors

(44) 844 850 1062

imran.akram@asons.co.uk