A Bill to provide that certain asbestos-related conditions are actionable personal injuries; and for connected purposes
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.Key areassomeone suffering from pleural thickening or asbestosis would not have to prove that asbestos-related condition was causing impairment of their physical condition to claim damages on the basis of personal injury Someone seeking a particular level of damages on the basis of physical impairment would have to prove that level of injury The legislation would have retrospective effect, except in cases where claims had already been settled or legal proceedings already commenced.
House of Commons
13 November 2009
This bill would recognise certain asbestos-related conditions as actionable personal injuries, allowing people with pleural plaques, pleural thickening, or asbestosis to claim damages from those responsible. It lets some claims proceed without needing to prove impairment of physical condition, while higher damages based on impairment would require proof of the level of injury, and it applies retrospectively except where claims have already been settled or proceedings started; it does not change who is liable for personal injury.
The bill is in the Lords at the 2nd reading stage and originated in the Commons.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 19 October. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
Second reading - the general debate on all aspects of the Bill - is yet to be scheduled.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
