Govt consults on pleural plaques payouts

摘要

The government is seeking views on what financial compensation should be given to people diagnosed with pleural plaques.rnPleural plaques are small localised areas of fibrosis found within the pleura of the lung caused by asbestos exposure. They do not usually cause significant symptoms and do not impair lung function. Pleural plaques are in themselves benign but are a marker of exposure to asbestos.rnBefore last year it was possible for those with pleural plaques to claim damages. But, in October 2007, Law Lords ruled that pleural plaques were not actionable or compensatable, meaning that people who have been diagnosed with them are no longer able to claim compensationrnunder the civil law of negligence. Since that judgment was made, there have been increasing calls from sufferers and unions for the government to take action to rectify the ruling.