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 that asbestos-related condition was causing impairment of their physical condition to claim damages on the basis of personal injurysomeone seeking a particular level of damages on the basis of physical impairment would have to prove that level of injurythe legislation would have retrospective effect, except in cases where claims had already been settled or legal proceedings already commenced
House of Commons
26 October 2010
This bill would make certain asbestos-related conditions—such as pleural plaques, pleural thickening and asbestosis—actionable as personal injuries, allowing those affected to claim damages from the person who exposed them. It would not change the overall liability framework for personal injury, but it would remove the need to prove impairment for many claims; where damages are sought based on the level of impairment, that impairment would still need to be proven. The Act would apply retrospectively, except where claims have already been settled or legal proceedings have begun.
The bill is currently at the Lords, at the second reading stage. It originated in the Commons; next steps include further scrutiny in the Lords.
Generated 21 February 2026
First reading took place on 8 February. This stage is a formality that signals the start of the Bill's journey through the Lords.
The 2009-10 session of parliament has prorogued and this Bill will make no further progress.
No recorded votes for this bill yet.
