Fast-track asbestos rules approved

A fast-track system which allow terminally ill asbestos sufferers to take legal action within a year has been agreed and will come into force across Scotland next month.

Reforms to the Court of Session rules, first proposed by the Scottish Parliament's Justice 2 committee in January, means that all personal injury cases will be set a hearing date within 12 months - the average life expectancy of a mesothelioma sufferer.

Lord president Lord Cullen agreed the changes last week which means the new powers will come into effect on April 1.

The move is expected to open the flood gates for asbestos claims by terminally ill people who usually die before any court action takes place.

Committee convenor Pauline McNeill said: "The committee's original proposal was for these cases to be heard within six months.

"I am reassured that for the more straightforward cases that would be possible under the new rules and any of these cases can now be completed in less than the 12 months originally proposed.

"It is now essential that solicitors bringing forward such cases use the flexibility in the new rules to the full in order to benefit sufferers and their families."