Northern Ireland Politician Wants to Change Asbestos Compensation Law

Nigel Dodds has made quite a name for himself in the UK political arena. Hailing from Northern Ireland, Dodds is a Member of Parliament, and also serves as the Finance Minister. Dodds made headlines when he announced that he plans to recommend changes to the current asbestos compensation laws.

Dodds believes that the law should be expanded to allow more people to have access to asbestos-related compensation. Dodds will recommend that the Executive allow those who suffer from pleural plaques be allowed to claim compensation.

Pleural plaques are a type of scarring of the lungs. The plaques are benign, but are caused by asbestos exposure, which means that those who develop the plaques may be at risk for asbestos-related cancers like mesothelioma or lung cancer. Currently, patients who only have pleural plaques are not allowed to seek compensation.

"We now know just how dangerous asbestos is, but for many years it was used in a range of commercial products…because of its resistance to heat. Many people who have been exposed to asbestos, usually through their work, have gone on to develop conditions because of that exposure,” said Dodds.

Prior to 2007, pleural plaque sufferers were able to claim compensation. However, a 2007 House of Lords ruling barred future pleural plaques claims from being heard in court. Dodds believes that was a mistake, and hopes in the future pleural plaque sufferers will be able to seek compensation.

"Clearly, we cannot turn back the clock in terms of preventing exposure to asbestos, but we can ensure that the consequences of the exposure are acknowledged and addressed. In my view, it is only just and fair that people with pleural plaques…should be able to call to account the people who are responsible for exposing them to asbestos. I hope the right to claim through the courts will provide some relief to those who, through no fault of their own, are living with this condition," said Minister Dodds.

Here in the United States, approximately 2,500 new instances of mesothelioma will be reported this year. While there is no cure for asbestos cancer, palliative treatment methods including chemotherapy and radiation are often effective in controlling pain and side effects of this disease. Oncologists like Dr. Carrie Redlich of the Yale University School of Medicine are dedicated to finding a cure for mesothelioma and other terminal asbestos diseases.