Asbestos claimants face action on costs

The State plans to pursue 500 people who unsuccessfully sued for asbestos-related damages for costs.

The High Court has thrown out a number of cases brought by individuals who did not suffer any physical injury, but who said that they suffered worry and anxiety as a result of being exposed to asbestos while working in State-owned buildings.

The court ruled that the individuals had not established a case for damages, because they could not show that they had suffered any physical injuries. In one case last year, the court stayed the matter to allow the claimant to produce further evidence.

The State Claims Agency (SCA), which defends most personal injuries litigation against the State, said at the weekend that it intended to appeal this decision to the Supreme Court. That hearing is due later this month.

At the same time, SCA director, Mr Adrian Kearns, said that the agency intended to pursue all individuals who unsuccessfully sued on similar grounds for its legal costs. He estimated there were 500 individuals involved and that there was a total of €2.5 million due to the State in legal costs.