Asbestos victims claims delayed

Asbestos victims are set to face more delays for compensation after judges referred their claims to the Supreme Court. The judges in the High Court could not agree on a ruling that insurers are liable for damages from when the victims were exposed to asbestos. There was a battle over the blame between insurers and the lawyers for the victims. Insurers argues it should be from the onset of symptoms, while lawyers fro victims and their families said it should be from the time of exposure. It is now thought that those awaiting compensation will face more confusion and uncertainty. A High Court decision in 2008 was hailed a victory for the victims; this after it stated employers insurers at the time of exposure were liable to pay out on claims for mesothelioma caused by exposure to lethal asbestos in the workplace. In 6,000 cases it had been agreed by three Courts of Appeal judges that the compensation should be paid, although it is now doubtful it will be paid at this moment. A lawyer who is presenting a claimant has stated, for many, it will mean delays, more legal uncertainty and more confusion, as the very wording of their employers insurance policies would need to be reviewed to see whether they can make a claim or not. And most tragically, it has added another layer on to what is already a complex claim.