Asbestos compensation claims to go ahead

Asbestos compensation claims for thousands of victims of deadly Asbestos dust can now go ahead after a five year freeze on thousands of compensation claims for asbestos victims throughout the UK was lifted. Claimants voted in favour of a compensation settlement by the company's administrators.

Compensation claims were frozen in 2001 after Federal Mogul, the parent company for Turner and Newall which was at one time the world's largest asbestos company went into administration.

For the past five years the administrators have been seeking an agreement with Federal Mogul's insurers. This agreement enables employees of Turner & Newall, who were affected by the asbestos manufactured by the company, to receive adequate recompense for the dreadful consequences of the Asbestos.

Many of the workers suffer from Mesothelioma a cancer of the mesothelium. This is the thin membrane that lines the chest and abdomen. One of the cruellest forms of Cancer, Mesothelioma is incurable and invariably fatal and has an incubation period of anywhere between 20 and 50 years. It is estimated that there are approximately 2000 deaths from Mesothelioma a year in the UK.

Speaking about the decision, Adrian Budgen Head of industrial diseases at law firm Irwin Mitchell said "Anniversaries are usually something to celebrate but not this one - too many people have died, or given up hope, over the last 5 years for there to be any celebration. Relief, yes, but no rejoicing.

If you or a loved one has been affected by an asbestos related illness, our solicitors can help you to claim compensation. See our Asbestos Claims page for more information.