Helen Grant unveils 2013 survey
The government will launch a consultation on planned mesothelioma claim reforms in spring 2013.
Justice minister Helen Grant unveiled the consultation plans earlier today. The main proposals are:
- Introducing fixed legal fees for mesothelioma claims.
- A dedicated pre-action protocol for mesothelioma claims.
- An electronic portal to register all such claims.
Grant said: “Mesothelioma is an aggressive and terminal occupational disease with an average life expectancy of less than two years from diagnosis. A claim for compensation can take up to two years to settle which means that sufferers often die before their claims are paid out.
“The government considers that it is imperative that these claims are settled quickly and that early payment of compensation is made so as to ease the sufferings of victims of this dreadful disease and give some assurance that their dependants will be financially secure when they are no longer around.
“However this cannot be achieved without a speedy pre-litigation process, which is why the government has decided to consult on how best to reduce delays in these cases.”
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