Figures obtained by not-for-profit campaign group Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL) show that mesothelioma, a deadly asbestos-related lung cancer, was recorded as the underlying cause of 177 deaths in Scotland in 2010 compared with 149 deaths in 2006 and 140 in 2007.
Many workers who develop the fatal disease are unable to pursue claims for damages because they can no longer trace the employers who exposed them to asbestos or the employers' insurance companies.
The onset of symptoms often comes decades after a worker has inhaled asbestos fibres, during which time employers go out of business and insurance documents can be lost or destroyed.
In 2010 the government pledged to establish a "fund of last resort" which would act as a safety net for those unable to obtain compensation as a result.
Read More - http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/116329
Many workers who develop the fatal disease are unable to pursue claims for damages because they can no longer trace the employers who exposed them to asbestos or the employers' insurance companies.
The onset of symptoms often comes decades after a worker has inhaled asbestos fibres, during which time employers go out of business and insurance documents can be lost or destroyed.
In 2010 the government pledged to establish a "fund of last resort" which would act as a safety net for those unable to obtain compensation as a result.
Read More - http://www.morningstaronline.co.uk/news/content/view/full/116329
