The Association of Personal Injury Lawyers has named Karl Tonks as its new vice-president.
Mr Tonks has been a member of the executive committee of Apil for the last five years and will work alongside new president David Bott.
In addition, John Spencer and Martin Hanna have landed places on the committee following the association’s annual ballot.
Mr Tonks said: “During my time on the executive committee I’ve already been involved in lobbying for the introduction of a fund of last resort for workplace injuries, and now, as vice-president, I am keen to become a major driver of this important campaign.
“It is grossly unfair for sick and dying workers, such as those with the asbestos-related cancer mesothelioma, to miss out on getting the chance to pursue justice because of problems tracing historic policy documents.
He added: “Injured workers who cannot claim compensation are left subsidising insurance companies which have already collected premiums but have avoided providing proper redress.
“The right thing is for the insurance industry to support the widespread calls for a fund of last resort for injured workers, and to meet the costs of setting it up, because no tracing system, no matter how efficient, will provide complete protection for injured workers.
“If the insurance industry continues to refuse to back the calls for such a fund, the Government must legislate for it.”
Mr Tonks is head of employers’ liability at Fentons Solicitors. Mr Spencer and Mr Hanna are employed by CS2 Lawyers and Francis Hanna & Co respectively.
Source: Postonline
