A landmark step forward for people affected by asbestos disease
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland has welcomed the Scottish Government’s announcement that new legislation will be introduced this year to clarify when the legal time limit begins for people diagnosed with mesothelioma who want to seek compensation.
This is an important step forward, especially for people who were diagnosed with pleural plaques or another asbestos-related condition many years before later developing mesothelioma.
In the past, the law could work against patients. In some cases, the three-year time limit for making a claim started when someone was first told they had an asbestos-related condition, even if they did not develop mesothelioma until much later.
This meant some people were told they were out of time to claim before they even knew they had this serious illness.
Why this matters if you were previously diagnosed with pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are a sign that you have been exposed to asbestos. They often do not cause symptoms, but they can be worrying because asbestos exposure is linked to more serious conditions, including mesothelioma, asbestos-related lung cancer, asbestosis and diffuse pleural thickening.
The planned change in the law aims to fix an unfair situation. It recognises that mesothelioma can develop decades after asbestos exposure, and often many years after someone was first diagnosed with pleural plaques.
This is an issue Thompsons Solicitors Scotland and Action on Asbestos have long worked to address.
Have you now been diagnosed with mesothelioma?
If you were previously told you had pleural plaques, asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening or another asbestos-related condition, and you have now been diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is important to get specialist legal advice as soon as possible.
You may still be able to make a claim.
Even if you were previously told there could be problems with time limits, the proposed change in the law may affect your situation. Every case is different and depends on factors such as when you were diagnosed, what you were told at the time, and where and how you were exposed to asbestos.
The most important step is to speak to a specialist asbestos solicitor who understands the law in Scotland.
Worried about symptoms after asbestos exposure?
If you have been exposed to asbestos and are worried about symptoms such as breathlessness, chest pain, a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss or fatigue, you should speak to your GP or medical team.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related illness, Thompsons can help you understand whether you may be entitled to compensation.
We regularly support people exposed to asbestos in industries such as shipbuilding, construction, engineering, manufacturing, schools, hospitals, public buildings, power stations, railways and the armed forces. We also help families where exposure happened indirectly, including through washing contaminated work clothes.
Why choose Thompsons Solicitors Scotland?
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland is one of Scotland’s leading firms for asbestos-related illness claims. Our specialist team has decades of experience helping people affected by mesothelioma, pleural plaques, asbestosis, diffuse pleural thickening and asbestos-related lung cancer.
We understand that a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel overwhelming. Our role is to make the legal process clear, supportive and as straightforward as possible.
When you contact Thompsons, we can help you:
- understand whether you may have a claim
- investigate where and when asbestos exposure happened
- explain time limits and how the proposed reform may affect your case
- pursue compensation from employers, insurers or other responsible parties
- support family members with claims after a bereavement
- work closely with support organisations, including Action on Asbestos
“The law should not work against people before they even know they are ill”
Laura Blane
Laura Blane
“This is a landmark step towards fairness for people diagnosed with mesothelioma. For too long, the law has worked against patients by allowing time to run out before they even know they are ill.
“At Thompsons, we see first-hand the impact this has on individuals and families. We have worked closely with Action on Asbestos to press for this change, and we welcome the Scottish Government’s commitment to ensuring people have a real opportunity to seek justice.”
- Phyllis Craig MBE, Director at Action on Asbestos, added:
“We’re delighted to see this important next step. From our early discussions with Lady Paton, it was clear she understood the real challenges facing the people we support. This goes beyond access to justice - it’s about removing barriers that have stood in the way of those affected by mesothelioma for too long. “This is a generous and welcome first step, but we recognise there is more to be done as part of wider reform. We’re grateful to Lady Paton, the Scottish Law Commission and the Scottish Government for their engagement throughout, and it’s encouraging to see this level of cross-party support for change.”
Speak to Scotland’s asbestos claims specialists today
If you were previously diagnosed with pleural plaques or another asbestos-related condition and have now been diagnosed with mesothelioma, contact Thompsons Solicitors Scotland today.
Even if you are unsure whether you have a claim, it is worth getting specialist advice. You may have more options than you think.
Our asbestos disease team is here to listen, advise and help you take the next step.
Contact Thompsons Solicitors Scotland today for free, confidential advice about mesothelioma and asbestos compensation claims.
