UK MESOTHELIOMA CLAIM ADVICE

The condition is a rare form of cancer in which cancerous cells are found in the mesothelium which is a membrane (protective sac) that covers and protects most of the internal organs of the body. Workers who develop this illness are those who have inhaled asbestos particles and about 75 percent of all cases occur in people who report a history of exposure at work. Those most at risk have included shipyard workers, people who work in asbestos mines and mills, producers of asbestos products and workers in the heating and construction industries. Most victims are entitled to make a mesothelioma claim for compensation often against a former employer for failing to protect their employees healthy in accordance with the law.

The risk of developing most asbestos-related disease increases with heavier exposure to asbestos and longer exposure time however it does only take a brief exposure to develop mesothelioma which causes cells to become abnormal and divide out of control. As the cells continue to divide, the cancer may spread to nearby tissues and organs. Initially there is shortness of breath and chest pain due to fluid build-up in the pleura (pleural mesothelioma) and there may also be weight loss, abdominal pain, bowel obstruction, anaemia and fever. This particular illness occurs more often in men than in women and risk increases with age, but the disease can appear at any age.

Symptoms of disease may not appear until 30 to 50 years after exposure to asbestos. Claims for personal injury must normally be started within three years of the event giving rise to the injury however in the case of a mesothelioma claim the three year period does not start to run until the condition has been confirmed by a medical practitioner.

Diagnosis of an asbestos-related disease begins with a review of the patient's medical history, including any history of asbestos exposure. A doctor will examine you physically and order chest x-rays or abdomen x-rays and lung function tests. A CT (or CAT) scan or an MRI may also be useful. A biopsy is needed to confirm a diagnosis of an asbestos related disease. In a biopsy, a sample of tissue is removed for examination by a pathologist.

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