- What is Mesothelioma?
- What causes Mesothelioma?
- How was Asbestos used?
- In which type of work was Asbestos use common?
- Can I claim compensation for Mesothelioma or another Asbestos related injury?
Exposure to asbestos can cause Mesothelioma and Asbestosis; both very serious medical conditions. If you have been diagnosed with one of these asbestosis-related illnesses, you may be entitled to compensation. We want to help you get it.
No win no fee asbestosis & mesothelioma claims, Glasgow
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, you are likely to have lots of questions. We can provide the answers.
Both mesothelioma and asbestosis have a huge impact upon the sufferer’s life as well as the lives of their families and friends. Receiving compensation for your illness can help address your financial concerns, get the medical help you deserve and make living with your condition a little easier. Our expert lawyers have the experience and knowledge to handle your claim in a way that makes compensation a reality.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer found in protective membrane that lines internal organs, including the heart and lungs. Symptoms are generally minimal initially but can lead to breathing complications.
Asbestosis is a chronic lung disease resulting in the scarring of lung tissues, again often causing long-term breathing complications.
In most cases, mesothelioma and asbestosis, will have been caused by exposure to asbestos during employment undertaken many years ago. Miners, construction workers and ship builders are examples of workers who may be affected. We have helped many clients make claims in these circumstances.
Even if you are unaware of where, when or how you became exposed to asbestos, our specialist team can help you uncover the truth and will work tirelessly to get you compensated appropriately.
Mesothelioma and Asbestos Related Injuries in the Workplace
What is Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease is most commonly contracted due to exposure to asbestos in a work environment.
Mesothelioma affects the body’s mesothelial cells. These are the cells that cover the outer surface of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma may affect the lungs, the heart or the abdomen.
There is no cure for the disease and post diagnosis victims may only live for a short time. Although the usual forms of cancer treatment are available, mesothelioma is considered to be a terminal illness.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
What Causes Mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is caused by breathing in asbestos dust. Men are approximately four times more likely to be affected, as in most cases the exposure to the asbestos dust happened in work in places such as shipyards, building sites, power stations, railway workshops and other factories - where the work force was largely men at the time asbestos was widely used.
Mesothelioma can develop after exposure even to relatively low levels of asbestos or where exposure occurred only over a short period of time.
Women who develop the disease have most commonly contracted it after contact with the work wear of their male relatives and partners. However, some may have been exposed directly at work, or by living near a factory which released the fibres into the environment.
How was Asbestos Used?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral. Its name is derived from a Greek word meaning inextinguishable. It was mined and used by the Ancient Greeks and the Romans, and then became increasingly popular during the 19th century.
Due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, together with its ability to absorb sound, asbestos was commonly used by the building trade as an additive to cement by the car industry as brake shoes, and in the engineering industry as a lagging for pipes and boilers
Asbestos was used heavily after the Second World War in 1945 and was not completely banned from use in the UK until 1999.
In which type of work was Asbestos Use Common?
Boilermakers and Laggers - Boilers were usually insulated with asbestos lagging, which had to be fitted to the boiler. This meant that this group were particularly at risk of developing the disease.
Electricians - Electricians often have to cut through asbestos insulation to install equipment, putting them at risk.
Joiners, Carpenters and Builders - There is risk of developing mesothelioma as they may need to deal with asbestos cement used in walls, ceilings, flooring, roof tiles and insulation.
Motor Mechanics - Asbestos was frequently used in brake pads and clutches; this puts motor mechanics at risk.
Pipe Fitters and Plumbers - The installation, maintenance and repair of pipes, boilers and heating systems puts this group at risk of developing mesothelioma as pipes often used to be covered with asbestos lagging.
However, victims of exposure to asbestos are not limited to the groups listed above, these are simply the most common.
Other Asbestos Related Injuries
Asbestosis
Asbestosis is thickening of the lining of the lung that can cause breathlessness. This can affect your ability to work or to carry out basic daily tasks. Symptoms can take decades to become apparent, and it is often many years before the illness is diagnosed.
The law limits personal injury claims to a period of three years following the accident, but in the case of asbestosis, the time period runs from when you become aware of the disease.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are asymptomatic scarring of the lining of the lung. Asymptomatic simply means that there are no discernible symptoms. Despite the fact they do not materially impact on the quality of one’s life, the Scottish Parliament has decided they are injuries for which compensation can be sought, as they are evidence of exposure to asbestos.
If you have contracted any of the above diseases, or would like more information on asbestosis claims, contact our expert personal injury solicitors today.
Can I Claim Compensation for Mesothelioma or Another Asbestos Related Injury?
Workers in UK industry were exposed to asbestos for many years. You may be able to claim compensation for any injuries you have suffered if you meet the following criteria:
- You found out about the injury at some point in the last three years.
- Your former employer(s) failed to take adequate measures to protect you from exposure to asbestos.
- The insurance company which insured your former employer(s) can be traced.
Asbestos can lead to a variety of medical conditions. Not all are fatal. However, medical opinion is that the conditions listed above can be caused by a single asbestos fibre.
It is impossible to say how and where you contracted an asbestos-related medical condition. This means that if you have worked for, say, 5 employers dealing with asbestos, and each was negligent in allowing you to be exposed to asbestos, you can raise a claim against each for compensation in proportion to the amount of time for which you worked for that company.
We have excellent experience in bringing mesothelioma claims and securing maximum compensation for our clients and their families.
Case Study 1
We have recently settled a claim on behalf of a former shipyard joiner who worked in the Clydeside shipyards in the late 1950s and early 1960s. He was regularly exposed to asbestos fibres throughout his time there.
We were able to secure maximum compensation for the client, which included compensation not only for the pain, suffering and tragic curtailment of life, but also the past and future loss of income resulting from his sad loss of years. Furthermore, we secured compensation for the huge assistance and comfort given to our client by his family.
Case Study 2
We also recently brought a claim on behalf of a former fitter, who has sadly now passed as a result of his mesothelioma. Our client worked in an East Lothian power station. He was exposed to quantities of asbestos fibres in the stripping down and maintenance of boiler plant, piping and equipment which was lagged with asbestos material.
Subsequent to his tragic passing, we pursued claims on behalf of his executor, widow, brothers, children and grandchildren. All claims were settled in full by the insurers of the power station employers.
Claim Compensation - Act Fast
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma or asbestosis, it is vital that you seek specialist advice as soon as possible. Act now! The law requires claims be made within three years of diagnosis.
Got questions? Contact our asbestosis & mesothelioma claim solicitors in Glasgow today
Our expert team of solicitors are asbestosis & mesothelioma claims specialists. We have the knowledge and experience to guide you through the entire claims process. To find out more about how our specialist solicitors can help you get the compensation you deserve, please complete our online enquiry form to the right. Alternatively please telephone us on 01413336750 to start your claim today.
