Asbestos related diseases consist of three main types known as mesothelioma, asbestosis and pleural plaques. Asbestos is also linked to lung cancer. The two most serious and fatal conditions are mesothelioma and asbestosis both of which have a latency period of decades from exposure to the development of symptoms. This means that new cases of asbestos related disease will continue to rise into the future before eventually falling off due to the ban on asbestos products. If you suffer from asbestosis or mesothelioma we may be able to make an asbestos related disease compensation claim on your behalf. If you have recently been diagnosed with one of these conditions, please contact our office for free legal advice without any further obligation.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos which spreads beyond the lining of the chest to the lymph nodes in the chest and may continue Medical Negligence Compensation into the chest wall, and heart, through the diaphragm, or abdominal lining, into nearby lymph nodes and eventually may spread to distant organs or tissues. The average period from exposure to the diagnosis of mesothelioma is 30 years.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is a progressive disease which can cause severe shortness of breath and is caused by asbestos fibres lodged in the lungs which cause scar tissue to develop and diminishes the lung’s capacity for oxygen. There is no treatment or cure for asbestosis.
Pleural Plaques
Pleural Plaques is caused by exposure to asbestos and occurs where there is scarring of the thin membranes that line the chest cavity. Pleural plaques may present as localised thickening of the lining of the lung or there may be ‘diffuse pleural thickening; over a wider area.
Compensation Awards
Compensation for asbestosis, mesothelioma and pleural plaques includes ‘General Damages’ which represents compensation items that are difficult to calculate accurately and include ‘pain and suffering’ , loss of the enjoyment of life and disadvantage on the open labour market. In addition an asbestosis, mesothelioma or pleural plaques compensation claim can be made for ‘Special Damages’ which represents compensation for losses that can be accurately calculated and may include;
medical charges
loss of earnings
assistance for household chores
care and assistance
medical therapies
traveling expenses
expenses
aids and equipment
adapted accommodation and transport
Legal Advice
Our personal injury solicitors deal with a wide range of claims for industrial disease including asbestosis, pleural plaques and mesothelioma. If you’ve been injured as a result of negligence by an employer we can help you to preserve your legal right to compensation. We offer free consultations on asbestos related disease, for advice to find out whether you have a good case, how to go about claiming and how much your compensation might be worth. We will give you clear unequivocal advice about your chances of success and the anticipated value of your claim. If after talking to us you decide not to take matters further you are under no obligation to do so and you will not be charged anything at all.