Asbestos is a mineral that was widely used in the 1960s and 1970s in construction, insulation, shipbuilding and automotive industries, to mention just a few. Asbestos was widely used primarily due to its appealing characteristics: strength, flexibility, does not conduct electricity and is fire retardant. However, the problem with asbestos is that unlike other minerals, it does not crumble into dust when crushed; instead it breaks up into tiny fibres, which can lodge deep in the lungs and cause illness. Asbestosis and mesothelioma are the two most common diseases associated with the inhalation of asbestos fibres. Asbestosis is a respiratory disease caused by the development of scar tissue in the lung due to inhalation of asbestos fibres. Mesothelioma is a more serious disease, being a very rare form of cancer, where malignant cancer cells are found in the sac lining the lungs (known as pleural mesothelioma) or abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma) caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos.
Following full understanding of the health hazard of asbestos most of it was safely removed however those who were previously working with asbestos or who had asbestos in their homes may have already been exposed to asbestos fibres. Therefore, in the UK there are currently an increasing number of asbestos related disease claims including both asbestosis and mesothelioma. Asbestos related diseases may have a long latency period between exposure and the development of symptoms which in some cases is over 30 years. Potential claimants must make a formal claim within three years of the date of knowledge of the disease failing which the claim may become statute barred and the opportunity to claim compensation may be lost forever. It is important to obtain legal advice as soon as you are diagnosed with any asbestos related disease.
Our accident compensation claim solicitors are all members of the Solicitors Regulation Authority panel of personal injury experts and offer free advice on financial settlements. We deal with claims with using the risk free no win no fee scheme, compensation is paid in full with no deductions and you will not have to pay for any expenses or insurance as the claim proceeds. To succeed in an accident compensation claim you must show that your injury and losses were caused by another persons negligence which is defined as a failure to take reasonable care to avoid acts or omissions which would be likely to cause injury.
We are not a claims management company and you will not have to deal with any unqualified middlemen, managers or clerks. We believe that it is important to have a solicitor involved from the start of your claim to ensure that you establish liability and obtain the compensation you deserve. If you would like free advice from accredited experts just use the helpline or complete the contact form and a member of the Solicitors Regulation Authority panel of personal injury experts will speak to you on the telephone without any further obligation.