Asbestos Compensation
Procedures to take when dealing with Asbestos Compensation Claims
What is Asbestos?
Asbestos is a set of six naturally occurring silicate minerals exploited commercially for their desirable physical properties. They all have in common their asbestiform habit, long, (1:20) thin fibrous crystals. The inhalation of asbestos fibers can cause serious illnesses, including malignant lung cancer, mesothelioma (a formerly rare cancer strongly associated with exposure to amphibole asbestos), and asbestosis (a type of pneumoconiosis). Long term exposure to high concentrations of asbestos fibres is more likely to cause health problems, as asbestos exists in the ambient air at low levels, which itself does not cause health problems. The European Union has banned all use of asbestos and extraction, manufacture and processing of asbestos products.
Asbestos became increasingly popular among manufacturers and builders in the late 19th century because of its sound absorption, average tensile strength, and its resistance to heat, electrical and chemical damage. When asbestos is used for its resistance to fire or heat, the fibers are often mixed with cement or woven into fabric or mats. Asbestos was used in some products for its heat resistance, and in the past was used on electric oven and hotplate wiring for its electrical insulation at elevated temperature, and in buildings for its flame-retardant and insulating properties, tensile strength, flexibility, and resistance to chemicals.
If you or someone you know came into contact with asbestos when it was removed, cut or mixed, it is possible that some damage may have been sustained to the lungs even though you do not necessarily feel that you have any symptoms. It is important that a chest x-ray is be obtained. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms and have been exposed to asbestos in the past, you should seek the advice of a solicitor to pursue an Asbestos Compesation Claim.
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent cough
- Loss of appetite
- Chest tightness
Because asbestos has been so widely used, generally anyone who can establish that the company who exposed someone to asbestos dust knew or should have known of the dangers, can claim. If your spouse or partner was exposed to asbestos through their working conditions and brought home their clothing to be washed, you may be entitled to make an Asbestos Compensation Claim if you have suffered an Asbestos related disease as a result. It is now accepted that second hand exposure, through cleaning and handling a partner's work clothes for example, can also cause these illnesses.
If a member of your family has passed away due to an asbestos related disease, our specialist personal injury lawyers may be able to help you claim Asbestos Compensation.
How to file an Asbestos Compensation Claim?
According to statistics released by the
Health and Safety Executive (HSE),
asbestos exposure causes more than 4,000 deaths in Great Britain each year. Those who were exposed to
asbestos in the past and are beginning to suffer the effects (as it often takes many years for the health problems to materialise) are making successful
asbestos compensation claims. However. anyone in the UK who is suffering from the effects of
asbestos are eligible to
make asbestos compensation claim, as the 3 year window that normally applies to making a compensation claim doesn’t apply. The Government takes
asbestos compensation claims very seriously and understands how exposure decades ago can be the cause of fatal illnesses today.
Who is at risk from asbestos?
Any profession associated with house building can be at risk of exposure to asbestos when working on a house built pre-2000. The correct procedures and safety measures must be followed to the letter when dealing with asbestos as it poses to great a risk to your health otherwise.
If you have been exposed to asbestos and think you may have developed an illness as a consequence, speak to specialist
asbestos solicitors today. They will be able to run an assessment and see if there are grounds to file an
asbestos compensation claim.
Compare professional and trusted Asbestos Solicitors
No obligation, no pushy salesmen, no single law firm promotion, free to use and the freedom of choice to make a selection of your own choice. Make an informed choice and not a forced one. Try our comparison site without the hassle, frustration and endless hours of researching to find compatible, professional teams of solicitors for your Asbestos Compensation Claim. As you would use a comparison site to save money, why not use our comparison site to find array of deals and services from a wealth of personal injury lawyers, throughout the United Kingdom.
