Asbestos law to be challenged by insurers

Published on Tuesday 21 April 2009 22:08

INSURERS yesterday launched a last-ditch challenge against a law giving victims of exposure to asbestos the power to seek damages in Scotland.

The industry argues the law contravenes the European Convention on Human Rights and insurers' economic rights.

The decision by MSPs last month overturned a House of Lords ruling that people with pleural plaques – a symptom-less thickening of lung membranes – cannot claim compensation.

The law was passed despite Tory opposition and warnings from insurers who said it ignored medical opinion and would "open the floodgates" for claims. The Scottish Government said it would "vigorously defend" the action.