Asbestos Ruling Dismays Residents

Article Added May 4th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story

A House of Lords ruling in Ireland has asbestos victims irate. The ruling drastically cuts the liability of employers when a worker is incapacitated by asbestos relates illnesses.

Victims of asbestos related diseases in Northern Ireland received a set back this week when the House of Lords ruled on the liability of employers. Three test appeals brought forward by company insurers were upheld by the House, arguing that damages should be limited in some liability cases. When several former employers are involved in the case, and none can be specifically blamed for the disease mesothelioma, then payouts should be adjusted due to the amount of employers involved, with a proportion of the damages paid based on time and service in each company.

Mesothelioma is a deadly form of lung cancer that develops after asbestos exposure. Ships built in the early and middle portion of the 20^th century often contained asbestos as a form of insulation and in machine parts. The asbestos crumbles with age, and turns into a dust that is breathed in. The asbestos dust settles into the lung, effectively suffocating its victim. The Belfast ship yard that was the main employer of those involved settled a multi-million pound suit last year, and could still be held accountable for more damages. Representatives for the residents say that families will be dismayed with the current ruling.

Article Added May 4th, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story