ASBESTOS RELATED DISEASE

The term "asbestos" is not a mineralogical definition but a commercial name. The 6 different materials referred to as asbestos possess high tensile strength, flexibility, resistance to chemical and thermal degradation and electrical resistance.

• Chrysotile (white)
• Amosite (which usually has brown fibres)
• Crocidolite (blue)
• Tremolite
• Anthophyllite (which usually has grey fibres)
• Actinolite

Inhaling fibres can irritate and inflame lung tissues causing scarring which makes it hard to breathe and difficult for oxygen and carbon dioxide pass through the lungs. Exposure also increases the risk of several serious diseases - asbestosis, mesothelioma and lung cancer. Symptoms may not manifest until 10-20 years after the initial exposure. The more frequent and the longer the duration of exposure and the greater the concentration of fibres that are inhaled, the greater the risk of developing an asbestos related disease.

Asbestos has been used for a wide range of manufactured goods, mostly in building materials (such as ceiling and floor tiles, fireproofing materials, asbestos cement products, insulation products), automotive brakes, packaging, textile products, gaskets, and coatings. The shipbuilding industry has used asbestos to insulate boilers, steam-pipes, and hot water pipes.

Workers in industries that manufacture or use asbestos products or who are involved in asbestos mining may be exposed to high levels of asbestos. Those involved in demolition work, building or home maintenance, repair, and remodelling are also at risk. In general, exposure may occur only when the asbestos-containing material is disturbed in some way to release particles and fibres into the air. The fibres may be easily inhaled or swallowed and can cause serious health problems.

It is important that if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease that you minimize or avoid further exposure. You should also stop smoking and avoid passive smoking (second hand smoke). Asbestos exposed smokers are at greater risks of developing lung cancer than exposed non-smokers.

If you suffer from an asbestos related disease then you may be entitled to compensation for the following :-

• Loss of past and future income/wages;
  
  
• Medical, treatment, hospitalization expenses for the past and for the future;
  
  
• Pharmaceutical expenses for the past and for the future;
  
  
• Gratuitous domestic assistance for the past and for the future;
  
  
• General damages (Pain and Suffering, Loss of Amenities, Loss of Life Expectancy).

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers:

1. Our lawyers will provide you with legal advice on your rights and entitlements to compensation with no further obligation.
2. Our solicitors are specialist accredited expert members of the Law Society personal injury panel with extensive experience in negotiating, settling and litigating accident compensation claims.
3. If you decide to instruct any of our specialists to obtain compensation for you, they will act on a “no win no fee” basis. Compensation is paid in full and win or lose there is no charge.¹