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Asbestos compensation claims – exposure in schools
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A test case that is currently being heard in London's Civil Appeal Court could see the floodgates being opened to asbestos related cancer compensation claims.
The case relates to Diane Willmore, 49 who believes her time as pupil at a school is the culprit of her incurable lung cancer.
Knowsley Council are currently appealing the landmark ruling compensation award of £240,000.
Lord Justice Moses heard in court that 50,000 cases against largely uninsured councils are expected in the next 40 years.
Asbestos was largely used in buildings in the 60s due and many schools are riddled with asbestos. Asbestos is usually only dangerous if it is disturbed or if it stats to deteriorate eg simple tasks such as pins being stuck in walls or ceiling tiles can cause asbestos fibres to become airborne and the tiny fibres can be inhaled by teachers and pupils a like putting them at risk of developing asbestos related cancers eg asbestosis or mesothelioma.
Sadly due to the long lag time between exposure and development of these diseases eg 10-40 years by the time they are diagnosed it can often by too late for treatment.
Teaching unions believe that the only option to combat the problem of asbestos is for total removal, however the government have other ideas. They believe that if the asbestos is still in a good condition then as long as it is not disturbed then it can be monitored and managed effectively.
Asbestos in schools needs to be monitored very carefully as children fall into the high risk category of developing an asbestos related disease if exposed to these deadly fibres.
If you have been exposed to asbestos through no fault of your own you could be entitled to compensation. Give our asbestos helpline a call now on 0800 634 1626 to find our more or simply send us your enquiry via email using our online form and we will get in touch with you.
Useful info:
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Emma Costin
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24/09/2009
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