Asbestosis Compensation Claims
Asbestos related diseases occur when the tiny fibres of the asbestos are inhaled, sometimes causing serious respiratory problems. Asbestos was used in many areas of industry over approximately a 40 year period from the 1940’s. In the early 1990’s, once the danger of working with asbestos was discovered, its use in the UK was banned.
Exposure to asbestos causes a range of diseases including asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer, also known as industrial diseases.
Industrial disease claims can be made when a person has been exposed to conditions in industrial environments and a serious illness has occurred. If you would like to talk to us about the possibility of claiming for an asbestos related disease please phone us – we have a team of experienced and dedicated people including specialist solicitors that may be able to help.
Unlike other types of claims, sometimes an industrial disease that was contracted more than 3 years ago can be considered. For free advice call us on 0800 0511 511. Our solicitors will guide you through the process of making a compensation claim including arranging for a medical investigation.
There is also the possibility of claiming if the company you or your loved one worked for no longer exists. A government scheme exists whereby a one off payment can sometimes be made to people, or their dependants, suffering with asbestos diseases. It is available for those sufferers whose employer has gone out of business. If you would like to know more about this then please contact us.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a serious, chronic inflammatory medical condition affecting the lungs. The damage can cause heart disease and lung-impairment. It occurs after long-term heavy exposure to asbestos and is therefore also regarded as an occupational lung disease. Asbestosis is a gradually progressive condition and in the early stages there may be no symptoms at all. As the disease progresses, the primary symptom of asbestosis is shortness of breath leading to respiratory failure in severe cases.
Our dedicated, specialist personal injury solicitors would be happy to advise you if you feel you have an asbestos related disease claim.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a rare form of cancer which affects the thin membranes which line the chest. Sometimes, but not as frequently, it can affect the linings of the abdomen.
Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure. The symptoms of mesothelioma are shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or side of the chest, coughing and weight loss. Mesothelioma is the most insidious of the asbestos-related diseases in that it can affect people who have experienced low or intermittent levels of asbestos exposure.
There is usually a period of time between the first exposure to asbestosis and the development of mesothelioma and this can be between 15-30 years. Early diagnosis of the disease is difficult and is usually made after scans or biopsies have taken place. These tests in themselves can take many weeks to complete.
Following diagnosis, support and specialist help is available and we recommend that you seek legal advice as soon as possible. Accident Compensation Helpline have specialist solicitors who are experienced in dealing with mesothelioma claims. For free, no obligation advice call us today on 0800 0511 511 and we would be happy to put you in touch with one of our solicitors.
Lung Cancer caused by Asbestos
Exposure to asbestos increases the risk of developing lung cancer. A very important point is that asbestos exposure and smoking act together to produce a huge risk of lung cancer in people exposed to both hazards. Fortunately, this means that people who have been exposed to asbestos can greatly reduce the risk of lung cancer by not smoking.
