VICTIMS of an asbestos-related lung disease in York and North Yorkshire are being urged to act fast to claim £5,000 compensation under a government scheme.

Some people with pleural plaques – small areas of fibrosis in the lung caused by exposure to asbestos – can now claim the money up until August 1.

But the cash is only there for those who issued proceedings against former employers for negligence or sent a formal letter of claim before October 17, 2007.

That is when the House of Lords decided that because pleural plaques were typically symptom-free, victims could not claim compensation. But a campaign started by asbestos support groups, trade unions and lawyers led to the Ministry of Justice last August introducing a compensation scheme for former pleural plaques claimants.

The news came as a relief to many in this area, particularly those who had worked at York’s carriageworks, and those who worked at power stations such as Eggborough and Ferrybridge before use of asbestos for fireproofing was ended.

Stuart Hanley, a partner in claimant personal injury and medical negligence at Langleys Solicitors in York, is an expert at defending victims of asbestos related injuries.

He said: “York has more than its fair share of these claims, given the previous railway industry.

“There is a sad history of men who have acquired diseases relating to the potentially deadly fibres, including pleural plaques, asbestosis and lung cancer. Men who worked at the carriageworks are particularly at risk as the railway carriages used to be packed with asbestos.”

He urged claimants “to act fast to discover if they’re eligible.”

Kim Daniells, founder of the York Asbestos Support Group, said: “I am pleased that the Government has set up the scheme, but it is difficult, because the restrictions mean you can only claim if you registered your case before 2007.”

She said that there were many who were exposed to asbestos at Ferrybridge Power Station and Eggborough as well as York railway carriageworks and the food industry in the days before the removal of asbestos, but did not realise they had contracted pleural plaques.

Should they claim from the Government scheme, it would not exclude them from seeking full compensation later.

She said: “The awards for these conditions can be substantial. It is not unusual to get about £250,000.”

For more information about eligibility or how to claim, visit the Ministry of Justice website at justice.gov.uk or phone 0300 3038150.