The Asbestos Related Diseases Compensation Scheme introduced by the Tasmanian Government in October 2011 has been hailed as a success by the Government.

The Minister for Workplace Relations announced on 2 May 2012 that the scheme has paid out almost $3 million to 8 separate applicants.

The scheme has helped persons suffering asbestos related conditions such as mesothelioma obtain compensation.

Compensation for those suffering mesothelioma has been made easier by this “no fault” compensation scheme.

An Australian man suffering asbestosis has succeeded in obtaining compensation from a parent company of his former UK employer.

An April 2012 decision of the Court of Appeal of the United Kingdom upheld a previous ruling that the parent company, Cape PLC, was liable for his employer’s actions. He was exposed to asbestos whilst employed by Cape Building Products Limited.

This is a significant ruling. The Court stated that
“this is one of the first cases in which an employee has established at trial liability on the part of his employer’s parent company”.

Asbestos compensation in Australia, including compensation for mesothelioma in Australia, include asbestos litigation involving similar situations as that above.

Laws to speed up the compensation process for those suffering asbestos conditions (such as mesothelioma) in the United Kingdom won’t come into force until 2013.

Lawyers for those seeking such compensation are furious that their clients may miss out on compensation as a result of the delay.

In Australia, various state laws allow persons suffering asbestos conditions to pursue compensation quickly. Conditions like mesothelioma and severe asbestosis can often deteriorate rapidly and such laws often allow sufferers peace of mind in a relatively short period of time.