UK MESOTHELIOMA SOLICITORS COMPENSATION CLAIMS

Mesothelioma is a form of occupational cancer caused by exposure to asbestos which affects the cells that line the body cavities including the chest, the abdomen and the heart. A mesothelioma solicitor can almost always establish that the cause of this occupational disease lies with the negligence of an employer in failing to protect the health and safety of employees by provision of adequate protective equipment and ensuring that the working environment is safe.

Newly diagnosed cases of mesothelioma are almost always the result of negligence and in most cases legal action for compensation will be successful. Mesothelioma solicitors investigate each case individually to establish and prove when and how the patient was exposed to asbestos. In cases where the victim is aware of how they came to be exposed to asbestos, a mesothelioma solicitor can often take action without delay however other more complicated cases can take a substantial period of time to fully investigate prior to the issue of legal proceedings which must in any event take place within three years of the condition being diagnosed.

Investigation of these matters especially in regards to the chronology of employment to establish which firms are responsible is a difficult task especially as most of these firms ceased trading or went bankrupt long ago. In these circumstances it is important to have the help of an experienced mesothelioma solicitor. Our lawyers have comprehensive knowledge of the historical use of asbestos and a thorough understanding of the law relating to compensation for asbestos related diseases.

The consequences of exposure to asbestos have been postulated since the early eighteenth century however the link was not finally proven until studies published in 1960 provided irrefutable evidence of the connection between exposure to asbestos and the development of mesothelioma. The use or production of asbestos or asbestos products was not finally banned in the EU until 1999 however there remain many thousands of tons of asbestos still in use in old facilities. Due to the extended latency period between exposure and diagnosis which may exceed 50 years it is anticipated that the number new cases will continue to rise for several decades.

Diagnosis begins with a basic physical examination by a GP. The patient may then be referred to a hospital for X-rays, CT scan, MRI scan or biopsy carried out by a specialist. This condition is more common in men than women and the risk increases with age. Smoking or a history of smoking, also significantly increases the chance of developing this cancer. Because there are legal time limits (limitation), once diagnosed a victim should urgently seek advice from a mesothelioma solicitor. The claim must have been settled or legal proceedings must have been issued in a court of law within three years of the diagnosis failing which the opportunity to claim compensation may have been lost forever.

Our specialist personal injury solicitors have extensive experience of mesotheioma compensation claims using the risk free no win no fee scheme. Damages are paid in full with no deductions. Win or lose there is no charge. For free advice just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a solicitor who is a member of the Law Society panel of personal injury experts will speak to you with no obligation.