Making a Mesothelioma Related Compensation Claim

We understand that receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma or other asbestos-related diseases is an extremely difficult time for your family. As you may have likely be exposed negligently to asbestos by an employer or former employer in the past – we also understand the frustrations that this may cause and emotions may be running high because of this. We have many years of experience representing our clients for a wide variety of asbestos-related claims and we will help represent and support you during this difficult time.

 

If you are looking to make a mesothelioma compensation claim in Newcastle, get in touch with a member of our team. We are also available via email and can arrange to discuss your case via telephone, skype, video conferencing or via Zoom call should you need to discuss your case remotely or if you are concerned about the pandemic.

 

How Does Mesothelioma Occur?

 

Mesothelioma occurs nearly exclusively from the negligent exposure of asbestos. Asbestos was used as an insulator so it was widely used in construction, shipbuilding and other industrial occupations. Mesothelioma can occur when you are working with or around asbestos or you may have been exposed to the material due to second-hand exposure – such as washing the clothes of someone who has been exposed to the material through asbestos particles. Some of the main industries that would have experienced potential asbestos exposure before the 1980s are as follows:

 

• Asbestos mining or other occupations that saw the frequent handling of asbestos fibres.
• Shipbuilding due to asbestos used as insulators for ships.
• Industrial occupations such as mining and heavy industry may also have seen exposure to asbestos.
• Construction workers or demolition workers may have been exposed to asbestos wall insulation.
• Teachers may have also been exposed due to long extended periods in historic buildings that featured asbestos insulation.
• Family members who have come into contact with workers who have asbestos fibres on their clothing may also become exposed.

 

Delays and Length of Time Between Exposure and Diagnosis

 

Unfortunately, asbestos-related diseases typically have large latency periods from exposure to the development of mesotheliomas to experiencing symptoms of the disease. As asbestos fibres become trapped in the lungs due to inhalation or ingesting, they cause inflammations as the body tries to break down the almost indestructible fibres. In some cases, the ‘mesothelial cells’ become abnormal and develop into tumours (mesotheliomas.)  

 

The condition is slow to develop. The “latency period” between first exposure to asbestos and the development of clinically obvious mesothelioma is usually 20-35 years but can be as long as 50 years and as short as 10 years. Mesotheliomas have usually been growing for 10-12 years before becoming clinically obvious.

 

Prognosis of Mesothelioma

 

The prognosis largely depends on the stage of progression of the disease, the size, the cell type and whether or not the tumour responds to treatment. Other lifestyle choices and factors may influence prognosis. Many people live for five to ten years after a diagnosis and live relatively healthy lives however the average life expectancy is a year to 15 months. 

 

Making a Negligence Claim Against an Employer for Mesothelioma

 

 

We have supported many of our clients making mesothelioma compensation claims in Newcastle and the surrounding areas. If you are suffering from mesothelioma due to asbestos exposure – you may be entitled to make a compensation claim against the negligent party or employer for example. If you are making a claim against a company that no longer exists because the latency period can be such an extended period of time – we hold the details of various insurers and you can make a claim if the insurers are known.

 

Many people who have been exposed never develop a disease however we will support you at every step of the way should you develop mesothelioma due to negligent exposure. We will help you to prove that someone negligently exposed you to asbestos without taking reasonable precautions to protect you from exposure or that they did not provide the relevant respiratory equipment.

 

You are also able to pursue a mesothelioma based claim for someone that has died if you are a husband, wife or personal representative and there is sufficient evidence that they suffered an asbestos-related disease or illness. 

 

If a claim is successful, you will recover compensation for pain and suffering as well as compensation for financial losses. Examples of this include:

 

 

• The cost of medical treatment or medication
• Loss of earnings
• Travel expenses to and from a GP or Hospital for treatment
• Care and assistance someone has had to provide because of the illness
• Loss of Pension

 

You usually have 3 years to start court proceedings from the date that you become aware you are suffering from an asbestos-related illness. In certain cases – the courts may allow a claim to go outside of this threshold should there be reasons as to not make a claim within 3 years.

 

If you are looking to make a compensation claim for Mesothelioma in Newcastle, get in touch with a member of our team. We are also available via email and can arrange to discuss your case via telephone, skype, video conferencing or via Zoom call should you need to discuss your case remotely or if you are concerned about the pandemic.