Asbestos-related sufferers are being treated Outrageously - Copeland
UUP East Belfast MLA Michael Copeland today said it was outrageous that those awaiting compensation for asbestos related pleural plaques * are being forced to wait because of a recent Court of appeal decision in England.
The English court of appeal decided that pleural plaques are no longer compensatable. The English decision has no application in Northern Ireland because Northern Ireland has its own Court of Appeal.
However those who pay these claims in Northern Ireland have sought to take advantage of the English decision and are currently refusing to voluntarily make the necessary payments.
Mr Copeland, who has a constituent who is currently awaiting compensation and is off work slammed the delay as outrageous.
In a statement Mr Copeland said,
“Those diagnosed with pleural plaques suffer great anxiety and distress. The sufferer has a real risk of developing a more serious asbestos related condition.
It appears that there are those who would seek to take advantage of the English Court of Appeal decision, which has no bearing whatsoever on Northern Ireland law, and draw the process out of making payments for as long as possible. This is outrageous. These claims, such as that of my constituent, should be being paid as normal.”