British insurers to challenge asbestos ruling
British insurers are considering legal action over a Scottish Parliament bill that threatens to expose them to hefty asbestos liabilities.
Last week the Scottish Parliament passed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill. The legislation would allow Scottish workers to sue for asbestos exposure if they contract scars on the lung known as pleural plaques.
Pleural plaques are a symptom of asbestos exposure but are generally harmless and not linked to mesothelioma, the fatal disease that is central to asbestos-related compensation claims.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says the legislation “ignores the facts about pleural plaques and could have far-reaching, unintended consequences”.
“Insurers are seriously considering mounting a judicial review against the Bill, having taken legal advice,” ABI said in a statement.
ABI Director of General Insurance and Health Nick Starling says the legislation “ignores the fundamental legal principle that compensation is paid only where there are physical symptoms”.
Last week the Scottish Parliament passed the Damages (Asbestos-related Conditions) (Scotland) Bill. The legislation would allow Scottish workers to sue for asbestos exposure if they contract scars on the lung known as pleural plaques.
Pleural plaques are a symptom of asbestos exposure but are generally harmless and not linked to mesothelioma, the fatal disease that is central to asbestos-related compensation claims.
The Association of British Insurers (ABI) says the legislation “ignores the facts about pleural plaques and could have far-reaching, unintended consequences”.
“Insurers are seriously considering mounting a judicial review against the Bill, having taken legal advice,” ABI said in a statement.
ABI Director of General Insurance and Health Nick Starling says the legislation “ignores the fundamental legal principle that compensation is paid only where there are physical symptoms”.