ASBESTOS DISEASE COMPENSATION

Asbestos has been in use since the late 1800s but its use increased greatly during World War II. Since then it has been used in many industries. For example, the building industry used asbestos for strengthening cement and plastics, as well as for insulation, fireproofing and sound absorption. More than 5,000 products contain or have contained asbestos.

Plumbers, laggers, electricians, building workers, heating engineers, joiners and garage workers are just some of the occupations that may have been exposed to asbestos.

What diseases are caused by Asbestos?

Pleural Plaques - These are areas of thickening which occur on the parietal pleura, most commonly on the lower chest walls and diaphragm. These changes are visible on x-ray. In most cases a person will not be aware of pleural plaques, as they are commonly symptomless. Plaques are simply a marker of asbestos exposure and usually do not develop until 20 years or more after first exposure to asbestos. Pleural plaques alone are not prejudicial to health, but because they are evidence of asbestos exposure, there is a risk of developing asbestosis or other asbestos related diseases.

Mesothelioma - This is the most serious type of asbestos disease. It presents as a tumour on the lining of the lung or sometimes the lining around the abdomen. The average latency period from first exposure to diagnosis is between 30-40 years. Even relatives of people who have worked with asbestos have been known to develop mesothelioma from the asbestos dust brought home on work clothes.

Asbestosis- This disease normally occurs as a result of heavy asbestos exposure over a prolonged period. The disease is a form of fibrosis of the lung. This affects the efficiency of the lungs and the person affected often has symptoms of breathlessness and coughing. This disability generally increases as the person gets older.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening - This condition affects the pleura, which is the lining of the lungs. It can affect one lung or both lungs. It can result in significant disability if it is extensive and affects both lungs. It will generally take 10 years after first exposure to asbestos for it to develop.

Asbestos Induced Lung Cancer - It has been known for more than forty years that asbestos can cause lung cancer. Smokers who have been exposed to asbestos are far more at risk of developing asbestos induced lung cancer than non-smokers. It usually takes 20 years or more from first exposure to develop.

Higgins & Co. have a specialist team dedicated to pursuing claims for asbestos disease compensation. If you would like to find out if you are entitled to compensation for an asbestos-related illness then simply make a free call on 0800 833 099 to one of our Solicitors today. We will do the rest.

For more information on asbestos diseases and compensation visit our information portal at www.asbestosis.org.uk.