Personal injury news

Sufferers and relatives could make asbestosis compensation claim

Sufferers of asbestosis in Scotland have welcomed a draft legislation which could entitle them and their grieving relatives to receive compensation for the deadly illness.

Previously, people wanting to make an asbestosis compensation claim had to make the difficult choice of claiming themselves or allowing their family to make a claim after they had passed away.

The Rights of Relatives to Damages Scottish Bill will allow victims to make their own asbestosis compensation claim whilst they're still alive as well as their relatives making a claim following death.

Deputy Justice Minister, Hugh Henry, said, "This is a terrible disease and the number of unknown cases is rising.

"We are determined to do all we can to minimise the distress this problem causes to sufferers and their families.

"This legislation will free sufferers from the distressing choice between receiving compensation and allowing their relatives to benefit from greater awards."

Sufferers who make an asbestosis compensation claim in the future should be able to have the financially security they need whilst still alive without having to worry about their relatives when their gone.