Unfortunately a significant number of people may have been exposed to asbestos at work, sometimes many years before they are diagnosed with an asbestos related illness as it can take a long time for the symptoms to arise.
Asbestos was used up to the 1960s and 1970s in mining, construction, shipbuilding and various other industries. Asbestos was also used for insulation, brake linings, and cement and fire-proofing.
Even if you did not work in an industry handling raw asbestos, you may have been exposed to asbestos indirectly, for example, as a heating engineer disturbing lagging etc.
It is also possible that you may have come into contact with asbestos from clothing which a family member may have worn whilst working with asbestos.
There are various illnesses which can be caused by exposure to asbestos which differ in severity. These illnesses include Pleural Plaques, Pleural Thickening, Asbestosis, Lung Cancer and Mesothelioma.
At the present time you cannot claim compensation for Pleural Plaques, which is scarring to the lungs, as it usually does not cause any symptoms, and past awards for compensation have been for anxiety about whether a more serious illness will develop. Unfortunately the Court of Appeal decided in a recent case that compensation should not be awarded in these cases. This decision is due to be appealed to the House of Lords.
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness it is important that you make a claim as soon as possible. Even if the Company you worked for are no longer in business or you cannot remember being exposed to asbestos you should still contact us to discuss making a claim as we may be able to help you. You have 3 years from the date you became aware that your symptoms were due to exposure to asbestos to make a claim. But do not delay, phone Victoria Jones direct dial on 0116 212 1039, or complete the form on the right for free advice.
Lawson-West make asbestos-related illness claims on a No Win No Fee basis which means Lawson-West have a vested interest in ensuring your asbestos-related illness claim is successful.
