Mesothelioma victims to see their cases sped up through the courts

Mesothelioma sufferers will be supported by new faster legal processes under proposals announced by Courts Minister Helen Grant.

Grant says that the plans, now out for consultation, will see the creation of an out-of-court process specifically to help settle compensation claims for victims of the asbestos-related disease.

The proposals would be backed by a new online case management system funded by the insurance industry.

Grant said the Government is eager to do everything it can to help sufferers and their families.

“The improved out-of-court process will help to ensure they can access any compensation they are due as quickly as possible,” she said.

The proposals would enable victims, or their lawyers, to quickly settle uncontested claims with the insurers of the employers responsible for exposing them to asbestos.

Other measures are being put in place by the Department for Work and Pensions to support mesothelioma sufferers who cannot trace the employer responsible for them being exposed, or their insurer. These are contained in the Mesothelioma Bill currently progressing through Parliament.

Mark Dugdale