Patients with cancer linked to asbestos get 'fair deal' vow

Published on Tuesday 16 May 2006 00:13

HUGH Henry, the deputy justice minister, has promised to look at compensation laws in Scotland to ensure victims of asbestos-related cancer and their families are getting fair treatment.

Many victims of the terminal condition mesothelioma, which is caused by asbestos, delay applying for compensation while they are alive for fear this will deprive their families of pay-outs after they are dead.

Campaigners say this leads to them suffering an even more painful death from the disease, and they are demanding a change in the law. A change in legislation could also protect Scots claimants from cuts in compensation brought in by Westminster.

After a meeting with victims, Mr Henry agreed to consider the case for new legislation in order to achieve "an equitable solution".

He said: "These people have suffered a death sentence. Why should they then have to make a further moral or financial judgment about an early settlement that would disadvantage their families?"