Proposals Designed To Claim Back Funds From Employers And Insurers

A consultation has been launched in relation to proposed legislation which will mean the medical costs of treating sufferers of asbestos-related disease can be reclaimed by the NHS.

Known as The Recovery of Medical Costs for Asbestos Diseases (Scotland) Bill, the measures would mean that the health service is able to claim back the cost of treatment from both companies found to be liable for exposing workers to the deadly material.

It would also mean funds can be reclaimed from insurers which have settled claims in relation to mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions.

According to the charity Clydeside Action on Asbestos, which is backing the new legislation, an estimated £20 million is spent by NHS Scotland on diagnosing and treating asbestos-related disease victims.

The charity added that as Scottish law does include provisions for the NHS to claim treatment costs related to accidents, there are hopes that a similar move on industrial disease should be achieved “with little difficulty”.

Our personal injury solicitors in Scotland specialise in a number of serious injury and illness claims, if you or a loved one have been affected call us on 0808 250 7641 for a free initial consultation.

Expert Opinion

The proposed legislation to ensure that the NHS can reclaim treatment costs in relation to asbestos-related disease victims is a very welcome step forward on this issue. <br/> <br/>"The tragic legacy of asbestos has touched a huge number of lives, with victims often developing mesothelioma and other asbestos-related conditions decades after they were exposed to the material as a result of their employers failure to take steps to protect them. <br/> <br/>"As so many cases of asbestos-related illness are wholly avoidable, it is only fair that the NHS does not foot the bill for treating patients affected by such issues. We hope that common sense prevails on this issue and the consultation leads to the prompt introduction of these measures."