Experts Industrial Disease Lawyers Back Author’s Calls For Improved Treatment

Booker Prize winning author James Kelman has described the treatment and support provided to those suffering with asbestos-related diseases as “shocking” and “shameful” and has called for improvements to be made to help those affected by asbestos exposure.

The author was himself exposed to asbestos during his early working life, which involved regular contact with asbestos dust, and has backed campaigns to improve compensation for asbestos-related disease victims and their families.

Speaking to the Evening Times he said: “Those who suffer asbestos-related diseases will have their own ideas on justice. For them there is no cure. No return to health.

“Those who don’t understand the struggle talk about justice but justice cannot happen. The reality is that people are being compensated because there IS no justice. It is too late. Their health has been taken and cannot be returned.”

Elaine Russell, a Partner and expert asbestos-related disease lawyer at Irwin Mitchell Scotland, said:

Expert Opinion

Exposure to asbestos can cause a range of serious conditions and disease, some of which are sadly incurable and result in a great deal of suffering for victims and their families. <br/> <br/>“It is vital the help and support put in place for those suffering with asbestos-related diseases is improved to ensure those dealing with the tragic effects asbestos can have are able to hold those responsible for their exposure to account. <br/> <br/>“We regularly represent individuals who are suffering with mesothelioma, a terminal cancer caused by asbestos exposure, which was caused by their employers turning a blind eye to safety measures that could have prevented asbestos exposure. <br/> <br/>“Asbestos exposure in public buildings is a growing concern and at Irwin Mitchell Scotland we have repeatedly called for a full risk register documenting in its entirety the presence of asbestos in public buildings including schools, as well as regular inspections to keep on top of this issue.