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The dilemma facing mesothelioma victims in Sctoland, who were forced to choose between claiming damages for themselves or waiting so that relatives could possibly claim more after their death, has ended following the introduction by the Scottish Executive of new measures in December. MSPs have backed changes in the law to help asbestos-related cancer sufferers claim compensation. Following an unprecedented move, Deputy Justice Minister Johann Lamont announced at the committee's meeting on 13 December that the bill would be amended to enable sufferers to benefit from its provisions a week later. Sufferers have, from diagnosis, an average life expectancy of just 14 months. The bill will allow both the sufferer and their families to seek benefits. The convener of the Justice 1 Committee, Pauline McNeill, said: "The legislation will remove the dilemma faced by mesothelioma sufferers, enabling both the sufferer and their family to receive fair recompense." In considering the bill, the committee learned of the significant number of mesothelioma sufferers who had been postponing settling their claims so that they would be able to benefit from the terms of the legislation. About 400 men and their families are affected by the proposals - most of them former Clydeside shipyard workers. The bill sets Scotland apart from the rest of the UK. Frank Maguire of the firm Thompsons Solicitors - which represents the majority of victims in Scotland - said after the minister's announcement that the firm would be commencing proceedings in up to 100 cases. This change puts Sctoland ahead of England in removing this apalling and unjust dillema from sufferers of this terribale disease and their families. Source: BBC News |
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