Five Year Freeze Lifted on Asbestos Compensation

October 16, 2006 - Thousands of UK asbestos victims can now begin to collect compensation after a five-year freeze.  Former workers for asbestos manufacturer Turner and Newall, who’ve been unable to collect due to the company’s bankrupt status, were told on October 11th that they may now begin to make claims against the company.

A recent press release noted that more than 100 former Turner & Newall and Newall’s Insulation employees have died while waiting more than five years for their cash.  Many additional employees currently suffer from mesothelioma and asbestosis.

Previously filed claims were frozen in 2001 after Turner and Newall’s parent company, U.S.-based Federal Mogul, went into administration.  Since that time, claimants and their families have been waiting for administrators to reach an agreement with Federal Mogul’s insurers.

The company has announced that those who worked for Turner and Newall after 1969 will share in a compensation fund totaling £36m.  Former employees who worked for the asbestos giant prior to 1969 will draw their compensation from a fund totaling £33m.  The decision was approved by the British High Court on October 6th and solicitors (attorneys) have already been barraged with claims.