Insurers back Lords ruling on pleural plaques

by Richard Kilner

Story link: Insurers back Lords ruling on pleural plaques

Both Zurich and ABI have responded positively by the recent Lords ruling to end any further compensation for individuals with pleural plaques.

Zurich’s technical claims manager, Steve Thomas, explained that in 2004 the firm decided to bring a test case as recent medical advances have shown that pleural plaques neither have any symptoms nor are a disease, and that they do not develop into other, serious conditions such as mesothelioma.

Thomas added that whilst the insurance industry has an obligation to pay compensation to injured parties pleural plaques did not qualify as an injury as it lacks symptoms or the potential to cause an injury, such as lung cancer.

He went on to say that insurers would continue to give compensation to individuals suffering mesothelioma or other conditions related to asbestos exposure and emphasised Zurich’s commitment to paying out on a fair basis.

Stephen Haddrill, the ABI’s DG, echoed Thomas’ view of the propriety of compensating sufferers of mesothelioma but not those with pleural plaques, as the latter does not prevent individuals from working or worsen their health either directly or through causing other conditions.