I was delighted to hear about the landmark Supreme Court decision which has demanded that insurers finally pay up to sufferers of asbestos-related diseases.  The court rejected a bid by insurance companies to overturn a Scottish law which gives people who have developed pleural plaques, a lung disorder associated with asbestos exposure, the right to claim compensation.

Campaigners, politicians and unions have stood alongside sufferers of asbestos-related diseases as insurers have dragged the matter through the courts.  Dave Moxham, deputy general secretary of the Scottish Trades Union Congress, referred to the insurers actions as “disgraceful”.  Patrick McGuire, partner at Thompsons told the insurance companies: “It is time to stop hiding behind legal loopholes.  It is time to stop looking for more legal loopholes.  You were more than happy to take the premiums.  The companies you insured were negligent. People are dying.  It’s time to pay.”

I am so glad that the Supreme Court has made the right decision and sufferers will now be able to obtain the compensation they deserve.