ASBESTOS sufferers will descend on the Scottish Parliament today to demand that they are not penalised under controversial new court reforms.
MSPs are to consider the final stage of the Court Reform (Scotland) Bill this afternoon, which includes plans to create new personal injury courts to speed up proceedings.
Victims and campaigners are concerned that the proposals could see some complex asbestos cases moved away from Scotland's highest civil court, the Court of Session, in turn losing out on the experience and knowledge of the country's most senior judges.
There are also concerns that although specialist solicitor advocates are automatically instructed in the Court of Session that would not be the case for claimants at a sheriff or personal injury court level.
Campaigners claim this would create an uneven playing field as large insurance companies can afford to pay higher costs for their legal representation.
Phyllis Craig, chairwoman of Clydeside Action on Asbestos, said: "Asbestos victims from all over Scotland are coming to Holyrood to make a personal plea to Kenny MacAskill. They're saying please don't allow your new court reform to stop us and our families getting justice for what's been done to us.
"More victims than ever are coming forward.
"He may not have intended it but the Justice Secretary's reform will end up stacking the odds very much in favour of the insurance companies who, to their shame, will use any means they can to avoid admitting liability.
"The men and women suffering these conditions must be protected by our justice system not forgotten about in the drive for reform."
The Scottish Government claims that after the reform process, asbestosis cases will be able to be heard in the sheriff court, the new specialist personal injury court or the Court of Session, depending on its complexity and the value of the damages sought.
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