Victims of the fatal asbestos-induced cancer mesothelioma who are unable to trace a liable employer or an employers’ liability insurer can from this month apply for compensation packages worth an average of £123,000.
The Government has increased payments from the initial £115,000 figure debated in the House of Commons in January after making savings in administration costs of the scheme.
About 3,500 mesothelioma victims or their families can apply for compensation and will receive a payment from July as part of a £380 million package.
Mesothelioma, which often takes 40-50 years to present symptoms after exposure to asbestos, has resulted in more than 300 people every year struggling to find a relevant party to sue for damages because companies become insolvent or insurance records go missing.
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