Support for asbestos victims

A MULTI-million pound package of help for those at risk due to asbestos exposure has been welcomed by a Warrington MP.
Helen Jones, (pictured) Warrington North MP, welcomes the government package of aid.
She said it includes action to help people with asbestos-related diseases to claim compensation and increases their upfront payments. It also includes work towards a fund of “last resort” for people diagnosed with a serious asbestos-related illness who cannot trace their insurance records.
Also included in the package is financial help to people with pleural plaques – an asbestos related condition – who, she said, were “left in limbo” by a House of Lords ruling in 2007.
Help will be provided in a variety of ways including assistance in tracing the relevant insurer to obtain compensation and establishing a network of medical practitioners to research asbestos-related disease.
The MP said: “I have a number of constituents who were exposed to asbestos during their working lives. I am sure the measures to help people gain swifter compensation will be welcomed along with the increased investment for medical research in this area.
“I am very pleased there will be a fixed payment for people with pleural plaques who had cases in the pipeline before the Law Lords ruling in 2007, and I urge any constituents who are in that category to visit www.justice.gov.uk/about/pleural-plaques.htm for information on how to apply.”