Government Can be Sued in Asbestos Case
Article Added June 21st, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
The first part of the case is over as two former dock workers were given the right to sue the Government for asbestos-related compensation. The landmark case may open the door for hundreds more to sue the government due to asbestos exposure.
Until now, the Government could not be held liable for asbestos exposure to its employees. But two former dockworkers have changed all that as they were awarded the right to sue the Government. It was concluded that the safety of dockworkers during the 1950s and 60s was the responsibility of the Department for Trade and Industry, an arm of the government. The asbestos exposure could not be totally handed over to shipping companies carrying asbestos cargo and the DTI failed in their responsibility to keep workers safe.
The DTI assumed responsibility of the ports in 1967 from the National Dock Labor Board, which was disbanded at that time. The agency will use its right to appeal the ruling stating that they are not a company, but arrange for shipping labor only. The High Court judge found that the dockworkers, which normally worked for a different company each day, were owed a duty of care by the DTI. The case was brought to light after the widow of an affected dockworker, who died of mesothelioma in 2000, filed for the right to sue.
Article Added June 21st, 2006 - Print This Story - Bookmark This Story
- Jeffrey Simon, Founding Partner
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