The law lords have spurned an attempt by insurance companies to make an 11th hour settlement with three victims of asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma.
They called it “a sordid attempt to manipulate the judicial process”.
Acceptance of the settlement offer would have prevented the House of Lords overturning last Decembers Court of Appeal ruling that compensation should not be paid if a claimant had been exposed to asbestos in more than one workplace.
The Court of Appeal made its ruling based on the fact that it could not be ascertained in such circumstances where the “fatal” exposure occurred.
The law lords said they should hear the appeals as soon as possible.
A tentative hearing date has been set for next month.
Financial Times 23/04/02 page 2
The Times 23/04/02 page 8
