ASBESTOSIS AND MESOTHELIOMA

Asbestos Related Disease Compensation Claims

Asbestosis and mesothelioma are both illnesses that arise due to the inhalation of asbestos particles. Asbestosis is a scarring of the lung from the long asbestos fibres that are inhaled and can subsequently cause breathing problems and heart failure. Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer, where malignant cancer cells are found in the sac lining of the chest and lungs (known as pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). Both of these have no known cure and are found most commonly among workers who came into contact with asbestos fibres, including shipyard workers, construction workers and heating engineers.

Asbestosis & Mesothelioma Contracted By Spouses

Recently claims have been filed by spouses of workers, who were exposed to asbestos through fibres that their husbands inadvertently brought home from the workplace on their clothing. Since symptoms of both diseases may manifest themselves up to 30 years after the actual exposure to asbestos fibres, experts estimate that claims for asbestosis and mesothelioma in the UK will significantly increase over the next 10 years.

Delayed Diagnosis - Time Limits Extended

Both asbestosis and mesothelioma can be hard to detect, as they have fairly general symptoms. This is problematic, as the longer the diagnosis is delayed; the more severe the disease can become which may lead to fatal consequences. Initial symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain and/or a persistent rattling cough. What is important to know about making a claim for asbestosis and mesothelioma is that the initial claim proceedings need to be started within three years of the date of knowledge of the disease, i.e. when you are diagnosed with the disease by your doctor. Since both illnesses can develop years or decades after the initial exposure, this is an important point to keep in mind when thinking of making a claim.

Asbestos Related Diseases - Who Was Responsible?

Important steps when considering making an asbestosis or mesothelioma claim is to determine where and when you were exposed to asbestos. Was it at a work place? Was it in your home? Was it second-hand transfer from someone who worked with asbestos? Make detailed notes of dates and information you can remember and make copies of every document pertaining to your claim that you may have. It will be important to research whether that employer or producer is still in existence. Your solicitor will be able to advise you on any similar claims or class action law suits that are pending against that particular employer or producer.

No Win No Fee Compensation Claims

You should take legal advice as soon as possible after diagnosis even though a considerable amount of time may have passed between exposure and the appearance of identifiable symptoms. In these cases the normal time limits do not apply and time does not start running until either the problem is discovered or should have been discovered with reasonable diligence. Once any symptoms appear you should waste no time in taking medical and legal advice and a qualified lawyer will be able to advise you on how best to preserve your legal right to compensation. Our solicitors offer the no win no fee scheme and pay compensation in full. Win or lose there is no charge and no requirement for any financial contribution. Just call the helpline for free advice from a specialist solicitor without further obligation.