Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) Bill

Long title

A Bill to provide that certain asbestos-related conditions are actionable personal injuries; and for connected purposes

Summary

<p>The Bill would treat certain asbestos-related conditions as actionable personal injuries. Those suffering from asbestos-related pleural plaques or asbestosis would therefore be able to claim damages against the person causing them. The provisions would not affect the legislation determining liability for personal injury.</p><p><strong>Key areas</strong></p><ul><li>someone suffering from pleural thickening or asbestosis would not have to prove that asbestos-related condition was causing impairment of their physical condition to claim damages on the basis of personal injury <br></li><li>Someone seeking a particular level of damages on the basis of physical impairment would have to prove that level of injury <br></li><li>The legislation would have retrospective effect, except in cases where claims had already been settled or legal proceedings already commenced.</li></ul>

Progress through Parliament

1. 1st reading· Commons

   26 January 2009 – 26 January 2009

2. 2nd reading· Commons

   24 April 2009 – 24 April 2009

3. Committee stage· Commons

   1 July 2009 – 1 July 2009

4. Report stage· Commons

   16 October 2009 – 16 October 2009

5. 3rd reading· Commons

   16 October 2009 – 16 October 2009

6. 1st reading· Lords

   19 October 2009 – 19 October 2009

7. 2nd reading· Lords