A SWINDON solicitor specialising in asbestos claims fears a bill aiming to compensate sufferers of pleural plaques will not see the light of day.

Brigitte Chandler of Charles Lucas and Marshall in Old Town said thousands of people will miss out on what they are owed if The Damages (Asbestos Related Conditions) Bill does not become law.

The bill was passed by the House of Commons last month and sent up to the House of Lords but Ms Chandler fears the Bill will run out of time during this parliamentary session, leaving her claimants in limbo.

“I have hundreds of clients in Swindon and elsewhere in the South West waiting on the outcome of this decision,” she said.

“It is beginning to look unlikely the Bill will be heard during this parliamentary session and with a General Election looming, I am increasingly worried we will run out of time.”

The first reading of the Bill, a formality that signals the start of the Bill’s journey through the Lords, took place on October 19. But the second reading is yet to be scheduled, fuelling Ms Chandler’s concern that the Bill might not be passed in time.

Following a House of Lords ruling two years ago, pleural plaques victims lost the right to compensation although sufferers with other asbestos illnesses such as mesothelioma can still claim.

Pleural plaques is a thickening of the lung membrane caused by inhaling asbestos. While they are not themselves disabling, about 10 per cent of people diagnosed with pleural plaques go on to develop asbestos or mesothelioma.

“These cases are not only about compensation for pleural plaques but establishing liability for possible future injury,” Ms Chandler said.

“If somebody goes on to develop asbestosis or mesothelioma, the question of liability would already be settled. It would shorten the victim’s claim at a time when they are very ill and cannot face a drawn-out legal battle.”

l Are you affected by pleural plaques and worried about the Damages Bill? Call the Adver newsroom on 01793 501809.