THE VICTORIAN government has tabled legislation in Parliament allowing people to seek damages for the full extent of asbestos-related diseases.
Many asbestos-related diseases such as lung cancer or mesothelioma only surface years after the initial exposure. Victims may not experience signs and symptoms of these diseases, and often the diagnosis happens too late for medical or surgical intervention.
The new laws would allow asbestos sufferers to make a claim for damages if their condition deteriorates. It will also allow dying victims to prioritise the hearings for their cases.
The legislation clarifies the law relating to damages where a person has started proceedings but dies before the claim is resolved. The deceased person’s estate can now recover the damages.
The government says the bill will extend compensation arrangements, but would prevent doubling up of the damages awarded to people with asbestos-related conditions.