Lawford Kidd's Blog

New compensation rules are now in place that will enable asbestos-related cancer sufferers to receive up to £54,000.

Under new rules for the Government’s Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme, compensation will rise to match 100% of average civil claims, up from the current 80% – which could mean an increase of up to £54,000 a person.

Diffuse mesothelioma is a cancer of the lining of internal organs, such as the lungs, and almost always arises from exposure to asbestos. It takes a long time to develop - typically 15 to 40 years – but life expectancy from diagnosis is only between eight and nine months on average.

A building firm in Battersea has been fined for failing to highlight the known presence of asbestos insulating board (AIB) at a warehouse.

As a result of this failing, a foreman and others were exposed to potential harm when the AIB was ripped out during refurbishment work.

The company was in possession of a detailed asbestos survey that clearly identified the location of the asbestos wall panels inside the building, but failed to share this with the team on the ground. As a result, when a foreman mistook the AIB for asbestos cement – a lower risk material – it was removed without adequate control measures and protective equipment.