Asbestos Claims
Every year, more and more people discover they have been subject to dangerous levels of asbestos exposure in the workplace. This can lead to a range of asbestos-related diseases, causing debilitating or even life-threatening illnesses. If you are one of these victims, you need to speak to a solicitor without delay, as you may well be entitled to compensation.
Asbestos Exposure at Work
Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that first appeared in Britain in 1857. Due to its strong, heat-resistant nature it became a popular substance across different industries, including: building and railway construction, shipbuilding as well as iron and chemical works.
After becoming one of the most-used materials in construction, those who worked with asbestos slowly began to notice their health was being adversely affected. However, it was not until 1970 that the problem was properly addressed in Parliament with the introduction of the Asbestos Regulations 1969. Nevertheless, many people continued to work without proper protection. Consequently, generations of employees are now suffering from life-threatening illnesses as a result of asbestos exposure.
Asbestos Related Injuries at Work
As a fibrous mineral, asbestos is a particularly dangerous substance to work with. This is because those who come into close proximity with the material will breathe in tiny asbestos particles, which then become embedded in the lungs. Over time, these will cause respiratory problems and/or complications with the lower digestive system. Such health issues will not, however, develop overnight. Instead they will grow over time, with many experiencing symptoms decades after their first exposure to asbestos.
Eventually someone who has been exposed to dangerous levels of asbestos may suffer from the following asbestos-related diseases:-
- Asbestosis – a lung disease causing breathlessness and chest pain, sometimes leaving people with limited mobility;
- Pleural thickening – a condition which sees the two protective layers of membrane that surround the lungs to become hard and thick. This in turn affects the function of the lungs, causing a tight and painful chest, a persistent cough and shortness of breath;
- Mesothelioma – a cancer which develops in the lining of the lungs (the pleura);
- Other types of cancer – breathing in asbestos dust can also lead to other forms of cancer.
People who haven't worked directly with asbestos can also be affected by asbestos-related diseases. This is known as secondary asbestos exposure. For example, people who work in buildings with high levels of asbestos, fire-fighters or demolition workers may all suffer from the affects of inhaling asbestos dust.
Asbestos Compensation
If you have suffered from an asbestos-related disease due to your working conditions, you need to seek legal advice. This is because you could be entitled to make a work accident claim which, if successful, would mean you receive compensation for your injuries.
While asbestos compensation can never recover the harm caused to you and your family, it is intended at least to put the injured party in the same position as before illness took hold. You will therefore be awarded general damages (a sum for the pain and suffering you have experienced) and special damages (a sum for the financial expenses you have lost).
For more information on making an asbestos injury claim, speak to a legal expert at Work Accident Solicitors. One of our solicitors will be more than happy to advise you on how to make a claim, explaining the process and guiding you through each and every stage.
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