Long-delayed justice for asbestos victims
19 October 2006
Court decision secures long-delayed justice for asbestos victims
“The CTU is delighted that the Court of Appeal has recognised the justice of the claim for lump sum compensation by victims of asbestos diseases” CTU president Ross Wilson said today.
The Court of Appeal today handed down its judgement in Estate Priddle v ACC that ACC must pay lump sum compensation to victims of asbestos diseases.
“The current epidemic of mesothelioma victims is one of the hidden tragedies in New Zealand society.” Ross Wilson “It is estimated that by 2020 the asbestos epidemic will have shortened the lives of up to 3,000 New Zealand workers.
“It is only fair that society should recognise and compensate for this work-related exposure which continued in New Zealand workplaces, government and private, for decades after asbestos was recognised as a very dangerous substance.”
“It will be a relief for families of asbestos that ACC has no right of appeal to the Supreme Court and will have to finally accept its responsibility to these soldiers of industry who were never warned of this deadly hidden hazard in their workplace.”
ENDS