Asbestos Claims

It is an unfortunate fact that the UK has one of the highest rates in the world of mesothelioma, a rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. If you are suffering from any condition caused by exposure to asbestos that wasn’t your fault, we’re here to support you in getting the maximum compensation possible.

Exposure to asbestos fibres has been recognised as an occupational health hazard since the early 1900s. It is a terrible experience not just for the person working in a contaminated environment but also for family members and others living with them, because they have an increased risk of developing the fatal asbestos related cancer, mesothelioma.

You don’t need to have worked in a building trade to have been inadequately protected from asbestos. Many asbestos claims come from doctors and teachers. This is due primarily to old school and hospital buildings – the asbestos in the walls can be released by a simple drawing pin in the wall.

Since the first asbestos related compensation claim in 1929, claims have continued to be made against employers for failing to implement safety measures as soon as the link between asbestos exposure and illness became known.

People are still being negligently exposed to asbestos at work even now.

There are different illnesses and conditions that you can develop after being exposed to asbestos, the most common of which are:

• Mesothelioma
• Pleural thickening
• Asbestosis
• Asbestos-related lung cancer

Mesothelioma

A type of cancer caused only by exposure to asbestos, mesothelioma is considered a terminal illness. It is normally of three types and can be found on the abdomen, the heart or more commonly, the lungs.

Mesothelioma can develop after receiving only low levels of exposure and only over relatively short exposure periods. Past cases have proven that people have contracted it simply by living close to a factory which releases asbestos fibres, or even washing work overalls belonging to other family members.

Pleural thickening

Pleural thickening can be caused by asbestos fibres being inhaled into the lungs, then finding their way to the membrane surrounding the lungs, causing scarring and thickening. If these areas of thickening become widespread and cause respiratory difficulties, it is generally known as ‘diffused’ pleural thickening.

Pleural thickening can develop on one or both lungs, preventing them from working correctly and resulting in breathlessness. It can be a painful and disabling condition by itself, but it can also be a warning sign that the sufferer has been exposed to asbestos in the past which may indicate the risk of asbestosis or mesothelioma.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is a form of lung fibrosis caused by inhaling asbestos fibres which can irritate the lungs, causing scarring and thickening to the lung tissue. It normally only affects people who have had high exposure over long periods of time, such as laggers, industrial plumbers or demolition workers.

Asbestosis often puts the victim at a much greater risk of developing other respiratory problems including lung cancer. The vast majority of sufferers diagnosed will have been exposed to high levels of asbestos dust and fibres during the course of their employment.

Asbestos-related lung cancer

Lung cancer is commonly associated with smoking – it can also be caused by inhaling asbestos dust. Statistics have proven that a person working with asbestos could be 5 times more likely to develop lung cancer than somebody who has not. It can however take anywhere between 15-40 years to show.

Any claim for compensation will need to prove past exposure to asbestos was the cause of the lung cancer rather than smoking. This can often be proven by medical investigations including x-rays and more sophisticated scans.

If you suspect you have an asbestos related illness you should make an appointment to see your GP without delay.

Regardless of which asbestos related condition has been diagnosed, if it can be proven that it was caused by exposure to asbestos by a negligent party, then (with the exception of pleural plaques) it may be possible to make a personal injury claim for compensation.

This is why the Personal Injury team at Attwaters Accidents are here for you.