Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that is heat and chemical-resistant, fireproof, and strong. Equipped with desirable properties, asbestos was a popular building material in the UK used between the 1950s and 1990s.
The first reported medical case of an asbestos-related illness was reported in 1924, but it wasn’t until 1999 that all types of asbestos were banned in the UK. For this reason, commercial and domestic buildings that were built or refurbished before the year 2000, are likely to contain asbestos.
Asbestos is not a problem of the past and is still present in many buildings. Today, it is illegal to buy, sell, import, or export asbestos-containing materials in the UK although some countries continue to mine the mineral.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, our experienced asbestos solicitors can help you seek compensation.Where might I have come across Asbestos?
Asbestos may be found in building materials used in commercial or domestic buildings built or refurbished before 2000. It may be present in paint, insulation, floor tiles, roofing, and window panels. It was also used extensively in schools, hospitals and other workplaces, which means a whole range of people were exposed to asbestos dust over the years. If you suspect you have an asbestos-related disease, we suggest you make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
Who is at risk from asbestos exposure?
Most commonly, asbestos disease of all types affected those who worked within the construction, shipbuilding/repair and manufacturing industries between the 1930s and 1970s. A wide cross-section of working people were exposed in this period, including:
- Shipwrights and shipbuilders
- Boilermakers
- Plumbers
- Fitters
- Electricians
- Carpenters
- Asbestos strippers.
What asbestos-related illness can I claim for?
If you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you may be eligible to claim compensation. You can claim for a variety of asbestos-related illnesses including mesothelioma, asbestos lung cancer, pleural thickening, and asbestosis caused by work.
What asbestos-related diseases can you get from exposure to asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos can cause a variety of different asbestos-related diseases. Asbestos can cause the following diseases:
Mesothelioma
Thousands of people each year in the UK are diagnosed with mesothelioma. The majority are men aged between 60 and 80 who were most likely to encounter asbestos during work.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that develops in the pleural membrane of the lungs. It is most commonly a result of inhaling asbestos dust. It often takes decades for mesothelioma to develop results in the growth of tumours.
Asbestos-related lung cancer
According to the NHS, one in seven people diagnosed with lung cancer each year has never smoked. It is recognised that asbestos on its own can cause lung cancer.
What is asbestos-related lung cancer?
Asbestos-related lung cancer is lung cancer that has been caused by exposure to asbestos. While the main cause of lung cancer is smoking, when combined with asbestos exposure, the risk of developing lung cancer is increased.
Asbestosis
Prolonged exposure to asbestos can cause asbestosis. Symptoms range from mild to moderate to severe and usually do not appear until after initial exposure.
What is asbestosis?
Asbestosis is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. Exposure to asbestos causes the lung tissue to scar and shortness of breath. It is most common in people who inhale asbestos fibre over a long period of time.
Pleural thickening
Pleural thickening makes it difficult for the individual to breathe and can cause severe chest pains. It is one of the most diagnosed diseases associated with asbestos exposure.
What is pleural thickening?
Pleural thickening is caused by the inhalation of asbestos dust which irritates the pleura in the lungs and causes build-up of fluid and scar tissue.
Pleural plaques
If you have been exposed to asbestos, pleural plaque is a common disease. Pleural plaques are often asymptomatic and typically develop decades after asbestos exposure. It is no longer possible to purse compensatin claims for pleural plaques alone if asbestos exposure occurred in Enfgland and Wales.
What are pleural plaques?
Pleural plaques are deposits of thickened tissue in the lining of the lungs. Unlike pleural thickening, pleural plaques are small and singular areas that form in the pleura.
Are there time limits for making an asbestos claim?
You have three years from the date you knew or should have known, that you are suffering from an asbestos-related disease to issue court proceedings seeking compensation for asbestos disease. Time often starts running from the date of diagnosis. It is sometimes possible to persuade a court to allow court proceedings outside of the three-year time limit, depending on the individual facts of the case. You are still able to claim even if your former employer is no longer in business.
Our specialist solicitors are experienced in all types of asbestos claim cases and will use their expertise to support you and your asbestos compensation.
What help is available if you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness?
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, there is a variety of help and support available. In addition to charity and voluntary support from organisations, you may be entitled to Government benefits.
Victims of asbestos disease may be able to claim for state support and statutory ‘lump sum’ payments where appropriate. We will assist you claim for Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit and a lump sum under the Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 as a matter of routine.
Other state benefits, such as Constant Attendance Allowance and Disability Living Allowance may also be available, as well as payments under government schemes such as the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme, where appropriate.
Free Consultation
During your free consultation, one of our experienced asbestos and mesothelioma claim specialists will explain the process of making an asbestos claim and the options that are available to you. This time also allows you to address any additional concerns you have.
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No win no fee solicitors
We are recognised no-win, no-fee solicitors which means you can access the expert help you need to make a claim for asbestos compensation with no financial risk. With no upfront costs, we specialise in providing you with the very best service to get the very best outcome.
Contact Us to Book a Free Consultation
For more information about how we can help you make an asbestos claim for compensation, please contact us to book a free consultation with our asbestos solicitors today.
