Apil hits out at mesothelioma scheme's 'missed opportunity'

The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers said government’s proposal for a support scheme for mesothelioma victims is “missed opportunity” because it “stops short” of providing full compensation.

The Department for Work and Pensions and Association of British Insurers unveiled the support scheme earlier today for mesothelioma victims who, from today, are diagnosed with the illness can receive approximately £300m in payments in the first 10 years.

Today’s announcement follows a two-year wait after the last government consulted on the need for a fund of last resort for workers who cannot claim compensation because the insurers of the employers who injured them cannot be traced.

Apil chief executive Deborah Evans said that the organisation is pleased that victims would finally receive some compensation and that insurers would fund it.

She added: “But it is a missed opportunity to provide help for a much wider range of people with very serious asbestos-related diseases, and it stops short of providing victims with the full compensation they need and which they would receive through the courts.

“The start date for the scheme is also arbitrary. Those diagnosed with mesothelioma from today will at least get some help, but all those who have been unable to obtain compensation to date will still be left with nothing.”

Evans noted that the detail of the proposals have still to be finalised and acknowledged the government’s understanding of the need for urgency in the implementation of its proposals.

“Mesothelioma is a particularly aggressive disease and sufferers need help quickly, so it is critical that the government seeks a legislative slot to implement its proposals as soon as possible.”

‘Positive step’

Insurer Zurich welcomed the scheme. UK general insurance chief executive Stephen Lewis said: “Zurich welcomes the Minister’s announcement to deliver a Mesothelioma Support Scheme. It’s a positive step forward for both sufferers and the insurance industry.

“Zurich Insurance has always met its mesothelioma liabilities and is proud that our historical tracing capability enables speedy payment to victims. Indeed, Zurich has paid over £153m in the last five years.”

He added: “But we are also pleased that this new initiative will help people who cannot trace their employer or insurer. We remain committed to ensuring that innocent victims of asbestos exposure receive the financial support they deserve and that more is done to improve medical research and treatment for this terrible disease.”