ASBESTOSIS COMPENSATION CLAIMS

When asbestos fibres are inhaled or swallowed, most fibres are expelled, but some can become permanently lodged in the lungs. Fibres can accumulate and cause scarring and inflammation. Enough scarring and inflammation can affect breathing, leading to disease. Persons with significant exposure to asbestos are at risk for developing pleural plaques, pleural thickening, pleural calcification, lung cancer, mesothelioma and non-malignant lung conditions such as asbestosis. Compensation claims can be made for most of these conditions and damages awarded can be substantial.

Asbestosis is a serious, progressive, long-term chronic disease of the lungs. The severity can vary from asymptomatic (no symptoms) to disabling symptoms with potentially fatal consequences. Here are some of the signs and symptoms :-

• Shortness of breath is the primary symptom
• A persistent and productive cough (a cough that expels mucus)
• Chest tightness
• Chest pain
• Loss of appetite
• A dry, crackling sound in the lungs while inhaling.

If your doctor suspects that you may have this condition, there are several diagnostic tools available to confirm the diagnosis:

• Chest X-Ray may be used to detect lung and pleural disease caused by exposure to asbestos. X-rays often show pleural changes and other lung abnormalities (pleural plaques, diffuse pleural thickening and pleural effusions) in people who have been exposed to one of the variants of this mineral.
• Pulmonary function tests.
• Biopsy or Bronchoscopy.
• A lung biopsy to detect fibres in the lung, is the most reliable test. Less invasive tests (e.g. bronchoscopy) can detect fibres in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid or in sputum.
• Computed Tomography Scan (CT Scan) is an image produced by an X-ray source that rotates around the patient. A CT is generally far better than routine x-rays at characterizing tissue density, and providing accurate size assessment of lesions.

Treatment of non-malignant (non-cancerous) conditions involves preventing further complications and treating symptoms. Individuals should ensure that any further exposure is prevented. The disease symptoms can remain stable for many years. Treatment options for patients diagnosed with cancer of the lung or pleura are limited to surgical treatment, chemotherapy or both.

Here are 3 good reasons to choose our lawyers for asbestosis compensation claims :-

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