Hundreds turn out to raise awareness - Action Mesothelioma
By Helen Childs. 8th July 2014
Last week saw the Action for Mesothelioma Day on July 4th. In Manchester several local MPs, family members of mesothelioma victims and healthcare professionals joined together to speak about this devastating disease. The aim of this year's Action for Mesothelioma Day was to demand that the insurance companies fund research into treatment and a cure for mesothelioma.
During the Day, Albert Square in Manchester saw the release of several white doves symbolising hope for the future for mesothelioma victims - both current and those yet to be diagnosed.
It was a pertinent week for mesothelioma news as July 2nd also saw the release from the Health and Safety Executive showing the latest number of deaths from mesothelioma. The figures showed a 10 - 11% increase from 2011 to 2012 with 2,535 dying as a result of this disease in 2012. The British Lung Foundation reports that these numbers are due to increase each year until at least 2020.
Lord David Alton of Liverpool, a keen supporter of research for mesothelioma and friend and colleague of the late Paul Goggins (MP) who sadly died from this disease, gave an inspiring speech calling for action by the employer liability insurers.
Lord Alton had previously asked for an amendment to the new Mesothelioma Bill to the effect that each insurance company involved in employer liability would be required to pay a nominal small amount to fund future research into mesothelioma treatment. A small amount of monies (when compared with their profits) from each insurer could raise in the region of £15million - a figure that could make a significant difference to those currently suffering from the disease - and the many thousands who have yet to find out that they have mesothelioma.
Unfortunately the amendment was lost by just 7 votes. Lord Alton has not stopped there though - he has put in a Private Members Bill earlier this year. The British Lung Foundation are very supportive about this issue too and are urging parliamentarians to write to the minister about it in addition to asking the general public to write to their local MPs backing these demands. MP Tracey Crouch also supports this action and has tabled an Early Day Motion recently.
For more details of Lord Alton's speech at Action Mesothelioma Day please click on the following link:
Action Mesothelioma Day 2014. Speech by Lord Alton
Much work needs to be done to find better treatments and hopefully a cure for this devastating disease - a disease developed through no fault of the victim but following exposure to asbestos many years ago. Funding research is the way forward and the insurance companies can help - but will they? We'll keep you updated as to the outcome of Lord Alton and Tracey Crouch's interventions.
The case for funding mesothelioma research - take a look at this excellent poster from the British Lung Foundation:
http://www.blf.org.uk/Page/Mesothelioma-infographic
If you, or a family member, have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and want advice on making a compensation claim then please contact Kathy or Warren on 0800 923 0046 (Freephone) or use the claim form link below.
Author
Helen Childs
Lead Solicitor
Helen is our lead solicitor and a partner at Royds Withy King Solicitors. Helen is recognised as a Leading Lawyer by the Legal 500, where she is described as an exceptional partner with a huge capacity for work and an unerring willingness to fight for her clients and an excellent knowledge of asbestos litigation.. Read more >
