Mesothelioma & Asbestos Compensation Claims Information

We understand that making an asbestos-related compensation claim or mesothelioma claim is a highly stressful time for yourself and your family. You will likely require information on making a claim as well as information on representation.

 

We have created this article to provide you with the relevant information that you may need when making an asbestos compensation claim or mesothelioma claim. We have many years of experience supporting our clients when making asbestos-related claims and we can support you during this difficult time.

 

You can get in touch with our team of expert solicitors by using an online contact form on our website or telephone now.

 

Initiating a Compensation Claim After a Diagnosis

 

Mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases have a latency period in terms of exposure to asbestos and the development of symptoms and the development of mesotheliomas or other lung conditions. Symptoms usually develop around 20 to 30 years after negligent exposure to asbestos which means that you will likely receive a diagnosis years after the exposure. Unfortunately, there is no known cures for malignant mesothelioma although clinical trials are being undertaken to develop potential cures for the disease.

 

Once you are aware that you are suffering from an asbestos-related illness you usually have 3 years to start court proceedings. Special considerations may be made in certain cases. If the sufferer has died then Court Proceedings usually must be issued within 3 years of the date of death. If you think that you may be suffering from an asbestos-related condition or disease you should seek legal advice immediately.

 

Claims for Asbestos Related Conditions

 

Unfortunately, it is not possible to make a compensation claim for Pleural Plaques. Prior to 2007, it was possible to make a claim however after a decision from the House of Lords it is no longer possible to pursue a civil law claim for compensation for pleural plaques alone against a former employer/occupier of premises. You are able to make compensation claims for mesothelioma, lung cancer, pleural thickening & asbestosis due to negligent exposure to asbestos.

 

Who is Likely to Have Been Exposed to Asbestos?

 

Asbestos causes an array of lung diseases due to the inhalation of asbestos fibres. As these fibres become lodged in the body or the lungs, the body’s defence mechanisms try to fight and break down the fibres. This causes mesothelial cells or mesotheliomas to develop abnormally which then develop into tumours. Tumours can develop on the lining of the lung which is called the pleura and sometimes can occur on the abdominal and pelvic cavities that are known as the “peritoneum”.

 

The Wide Use of Asbestos

 

Because of the fact that asbestos was used as an insulation material right up until the 1970s & early 80s, it was unfortunately everywhere in industrial capacities. Clearly, the mining of asbestos or production of the material is where workers would be most at risk of being negligently exposed to asbestos. 

 

Other industries such as shipbuilding, mining and heavy industry may have seen extensive exposure to asbestos as well as demolition as asbestos was used as insulation in buildings. You are also able to make a claim if you have contracted an asbestos-related disease second hand such as from cleaning industrial clothes that contained asbestos fibres.

 

Buildings were often packed full of the material so schools and other buildings could have put workers at risk of being exposed to asbestos. A wide range of people from different walks of life could have been exposed to the material and so you are able to make a claim.

 

Starting an Asbestos Related Compensation Claim

We have many years of experience pursuing Asbestos Claims & Mesothelioma Claims for our clients. We understand that you may not want to arrange for physical meetings due to the Pandemic but we support claims all across the UK and have supported a number of clients across the country. If your claim is successful – you will recover compensation for pain and suffering as well as compensation for financial losses caused by the asbestos-related illness. This covers losses such as medical treatment and medication, loss of Pension & care and assistance that is needed because of the illness for example.

 

We can offer you all of the advice and support that you need during these difficult and stressful times. From the beginning of your claim until the entirety of your claim, we will support you at every step. You will deal directly with the Senior Solicitor that is responsible for your case and this gives you the opportunity to ask questions. You will be in control of your claim from start to finish. 

 

You can get in touch with our team of expert solicitors by using an online contact form on our website or telephone now.