UK ASBESTOS CLAIM - PERSONAL INJURY COMPENSATION
Our specialist personal injury solicitors have extensive experience of dealing with asbestos claim settlements. We use the risk free no win no fee scheme and compensation is paid in full with no deductions. For free advice just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will telephone you about your potential asbestos claim with no obligation. We will give you an early indication on liability and an estimate of the value of your asbestos compensation claim.
HELPLINE 0844 332 0553
Symptoms & Diagnosis
Diagnosis of an asbestos related disease is made on the basis of clinical evidence in conjunction with X-rays and/or biopsy following a history of serious exposure. Almost everyone is exposed to these fibers during their lifetime however it is now widely recognized that more than very minor exposure is necessary in order to develop an asbestos related disease. Symptoms usually develop slowly after exposure and in some cases exposure may have been decades previously. Breathlessness occurs first and progresses, often with little or no cough however the victim eventually becomes weak and distressed even when at rest. Exposure is linked to several serious conditions that give rise to asbestos claims including:
- Mesothelioma - which is a cancer of the cells that make up the lining around the lungs or the abdominal organs.
- Pleural Disease - which is the formation of "plaques" on the lungs or thickening of the lung pleura.
- Asbestosis - which is a scarring of the lung tissue that can lead to respiratory failure.
- Lung Cancer - which is more prevalent in cigarette smokers who suffer exposure.
HELPLINE 0844 332 0553
Legal Rights
Notwithstanding the fact that over 3,500 people die each year in the United Kingdom from illnesses related to exposure to asbestos there are very few asbestos claims. The annual number of casualties is predicted to go on rising into the next decade and it is hoped that the public will become more aware of their legal rights to make an asbestos claim. Categories of occupation at particular risk include:
- laggers
- merchant navy seamen
- refractory bricklayers
- turbine/boiler operators in power stations
- dockers
- lab technicians
- asbestos factory employees
- building site and construction workers
- aerospace workers
- insulation engineers
- boilermen
HELPLINE 0844 332 0553
High Risk
This product is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used for over 150 years on a large commercial scale as a fire proofing and insulation material. It was used extensively as a building material for over 30 years starting in the 1950s however its use is now illegal in the construction or refurbishment of any premises. Undisturbed and in good condition there is little risk however if disturbed or damaged asbestos can become a danger to health as a result of fibres being released into the air. Some of this material has been removed however it is estimated that it is present in over half a million non-domestic premises amounting in total to many thousands of tonnes. Removal work will continue for the foreseeable future and those involved are now potentially at the highest risk, as are workers involved in the refurbishment, repair or maintenance of these buildings including plumbers, joiners and electricians.
In the case of CICA claims terms will vary and in the case of MIB claims terms may vary.