Damages (Asbestos-Related Conditions) (No. 2) Bill

<p>The Bill would treat certain asbestos-related conditions as actionable personal injuries. Those suffering from asbestos-related pleural plaques or asbestosis would therefore be able to claim damages against the person causing them. The provisions would not affect the legislation determining liability for personal injury.</p><p><strong>Key areas</strong></p><ul><li>someone suffering from pleural thickening or asbestosis would not have to prove that that asbestos-related condition was causing impairment of their physical condition to claim damages on the basis of personal injury</li><li>someone seeking a particular level of damages on the basis of physical impairment would have to prove that level of injury</li><li>the legislation would have retrospective effect, except in cases where claims had already been settled or legal proceedings already commenced</li></ul>