Are You Worried About Historic Asbestos Exposure?
If you know or suspect you have been exposed to asbestos dust in the past, it is likely to be a concern for you due to the potential health risks.
Asbestos diseases typically take decades to develop after the exposure to asbestos fibres occurred. This means that people who have been exposed to asbestos dust may be worrying about their health for many years.
If you have any unexplained symptoms such as breathing difficulties or a cough, it is important that you seek medical advice without delay.
Asbestos related diseases
Exposure to asbestos dust can cause a number of different conditions:
- Mesothelioma;
- Some lung cancers (even if you are or have been a smoker);
- Asbestosis;
- Pleural thickening;
- Pleural plaques.
The conditions vary considerably in terms of symptoms caused. For example, pleural thickening may only cause mild symptoms whereas mesothelioma is a very serious disease.
When pursuing a compensation claim, each disease has special rules and requirements in order to prove the claim. It is therefore important to only instruct lawyers who deal with these cases every day and who have a wealth of experience in pursuing asbestos disease claims.
Covid-19
Some of the typical symptoms of asbestos related conditions, such as breathlessness and a cough, are also symptoms of Covid-19. For those who have been exposed to asbestos dust, it is important not to assume such symptoms are due to the virus. You should consult your doctor and let them know you have previously been exposed to asbestos dust, so they have all the information they need to fully investigate the cause of your symptoms.
Legal help
If you have been diagnosed with any asbestos related condition, it is vital that you seek legal advice from specialist lawyers who will assist you to claim benefits and compensation. However time limits apply, so it is important to seek legal advice promptly. Even if the organisation which exposed you to asbestos dust is no longer in existence, you should seek legal advice as it may still be possible to pursue a claim.
If a loved one has passed away as a result of an asbestos related illness, there may still be an entitlement to benefits and compensation. It is again important to discuss matters with a specialist lawyer, to find out what your rights are and whether it is possible for a compensation claim to be pursued.
As this is a very specialised and complex area of the law, it is crucial that you only instruct lawyers who have a proven track record of dealing with asbestos disease claims and who guarantee not to deduct legal costs from any compensation that may be recovered.
Our specialist Asbestos Team has decades of experience in dealing with asbestos disease claims. The Partners are all true specialists in this area of the law. Do not hesitate to contact us on 0808 271 9413 if you would like to discuss your asbestos related disease.