A LIVERPOOL law firm is urging people who have suffered from exposure to asbestos to apply for a claim under a new government scheme.

Maxwell Hodge, which has eight offices throughout Liverpool, is encouraging people to use the government’s Pleural Plaques Claimant Scheme, which opened last week and is available for people who have started a claim but are yet to resolve it.

Pleural plaques are small areas of fibrosis found in the lung and occur due to exposure to asbestos.

In 2007, the Law Lords upheld a Court of Appeal decision that the existence of pleural plaques should not result in any action or compensation. However, the Government has taken into account people who have started a claim before the Law Lords ruling, but not resolved it.

The Government will make one-off payments of £5,000 to people in that category.

Colette Agnew, from Maxwell Hodge, said: “We are urging people to make a claim now if they need to as there is a limited time. Anybody who thinks they can make a claim should get in contact with their former solicitors or, if none, then contact designated telephone number 0300 303 8150, or complete the on-line application form.”

The scheme applies to England and Wales, and applications must be received by August 1, 2011.

Maxwell Hodge specialise in a range of disciplines, including occupational illness claims.