Lords' decision good news for victims.

A recent House of Lords decision known as 'The Fairchild Case' has enabled claimants to be compensated for asbestos-related cancer as a result of asbestos exposure by more than one employer.

Hundreds of employees suffering from asbestos-related cancer will now be able to pursue claims against negligent employers.

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases are acquired as a result of exposure to the harmful asbestos substance. This is common in certain industries throughout the Merseyside area such as shipbuilding, ship repairing, construction works and the docks.

Indeed, the vast majority of trades including laggers, joiners, plumbers and electricians would have worked with or been exposed to asbestos in their employment as recently as in the 1980s.

The Fairchild decision overturns a previous ruling in the Court of Appeal, which prevented claimants from pursuing compensation for injuries if there was more than one employer. That decision was detrimental to victims whose lives had been severely affected by asbestos-related cancer.

However, the judgement in the Fairchild case is a triumph for our justice system, ensuring that asbestos victims have recourse to compensation when they need it most.

Norman Jones Solicitors have more than 20 years experience dealing with asbestos-related illness and have warmly welcomed the Fairchild decision.

Following Fairchild, Mr Jones was in the High Court last week and was successful in recovering damages for the wife of a Mesothelioma victim.

Mr Jones says: "Had the House of Lord's decision not reversed the Fairchild decision, this would have added insult to injury to the victims and their families."

The firm has strong links with the Liverpool Victims of Asbestos Support Group and anyone who feels they have been affected or know someone who may be affected by this decision can contact Norman Jones or Jean Harkin at 27 Hamilton Square, Birkenhead.