Personal Injury Services

Asbestos Related Diseases Claims

Mesothelioma Claims

Expertise And Understanding From Irwin Mitchell

Receiving a diagnosis of mesothelioma will have a devastating effect on you and your family. A disease that is almost impossible to pronounce (mee-so-thee-lee-oma) and, in most cases, has been caused by going to work is about to turn your life upside down. We passionately believe that our clients deserve the best medical care and specialised support following a diagnosis of mesothelioma .

Our extensive experience of mesothelioma compensation claims has made us aware that it is essential that you not only receive the best possible legal service but that it is delivered with sensitivity and knowledge of the support that will be needed in the months ahead.

Seeing the effects of the disease at first hand so often has led us to be at the forefront of the campaign for research into the disease to improve the quality of treatment available to mesothelioma victims, which includes active support for the establishment of a National Research Centre for Asbestos Related Diseases. It is proposed that the Centre would create a much needed network for existing and new research groups around the UK and Ireland, to enable them to work closely together as a virtual centre.

At Irwin Mitchell we fight fearlessly to achieve the best outcome for your mesothelioma claim. We’re renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family due to mesothelioma, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.

Our lawyers offer the highest level of professionalism and expertise in mesothelioma claims, combined with dedication and sensitivity.

Above all, we put you first.

Handling Mesothelioma Cases With Expertise And Sensitivity

Mesothelioma is a form of cancer that most commonly affects the lining of the lung (pleura) but can also occur in the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) and the heart (pericardium).

The only known cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, which usually happens at the workplace. Employers have a duty to protect workers from hazardous substances and if you develop an asbestos related disease as a result of exposure at work, such as mesothelioma you may have a claim for compensation.

Mesothelioma, which can take 20 to 50 years or more to develop, is strongly linked to asbestos and as a result, many people who may have worked with or near asbestos substances have contracted the illness.

Irwin Mitchell is one of the UK’s leading specialist teams working specifically on clients with mesothelioma claims.

Video - Living With Mesothelioma: Roger's Story

Roger was diagnosed with mesothelioma back in 2007 and, with the help of mesothelioma lawyers at Irwin Mitchell, fought a successful legal battle against the company for which he worked in the 1970s, where he was exposed to asbestos. This is his story:

Proven Expertise In Mesothelioma Claims

Irwin Mitchell is also one of the largest and most experienced personal injury law firms in the country.

Our team includes many of the country’s finest personal injury lawyers. They operate in highly specialised teams, offering the highest level of legal expertise in mesothelioma claims.

Irwin Mitchell has supported mesothelioma claims for thousands of people who have contracted asbestos-related diseases. Many claims have been on behalf of individuals exposed to asbestos in the workplace, as well as in less common situations such as through washing overalls containing asbestos, working in schools whose fabric contains asbestos or living near factories that manufacture asbestos.

Irwin Mitchell’s Commitment To Making A Difference

Irwin Mitchell’s first commitment is to you, and to achieving the best outcome for your mesothelioma claim.

We also have a long history of campaigning with leading organisations in numerous personal injury fields. Together with those organisations we seek improvements in health and safety, prevent accident, injury and illness where possible, and improve the quality of life and levels of compensation for those who have suffered injury and illness.

Irwin Mitchell supports research into the condition through fund raising work with, and providing administrative support to, the June Hancock Mesothelioma Research Fund.

We also campaign alongside the Asbestos Victim Support Groups and the medical profession for new and improved treatments to be made available on the NHS.

We have also pursued many leading legal cases in order to improve the prospects of success of claims for various forms of personal injury, and to obtain fairer compensation. These have also included campaigning for the safe removal of asbestos.

Select Related Client Stories

£90,000 Mesothelioma Compensation for Retired Maintenance Fitter

Our client, an 81 year old widower, recovered £90,000 from his former employer after developing mesothelioma because of exposure to asbestos in the form of pipe lagging and brake linings in the bus depots where he worked.

Our client began feeling unwell in about March 2007 with symptoms of breathlessness and a cough. He had previously had good health for a man of his age and lived wholly independently before his illness. He was referred by his GP to hospital and was admitted for tests. He was told after a biopsy, in May 2007, that he had mesothelioma and he approached Irwin Mitchell to represent him in a claim against his former employer.

Between 1941 and 1974, our client was regularly exposed to asbestos during his employment as a maintenance fitter. He worked near others who machined brake linings and regularly had contact with asbestos lagged pipe work and boilers in unprotected conditions.

A letter of claim was sent on our client's behalf in July 2007. As our client had no dependants, it was important to advance his claim quickly. Otherwise, its value would be greatly diminished. A claim was issued, accordingly, in September 2007, under the court’s expedited process for mesothelioma cases.

A voluntary interim payment of £50,000 was obtained on our client's behalf, 5 months after he was diagnosed. The court later entered judgment for our client and negotiations proceeded to a settlement of the claim in December 2007.

We have lawyers with the expertise and experience needed to help you with your claim. Choose from the list below to learn more about our experts in this area.

Name	Location	Job Title	Telephone
Helen Ashton	Sheffield	Partner	0114 274 4545
Ian Bailey	Leeds	Partner	0870 1500 100
Adrian Budgen	Sheffield	Partner	0870 1500 100
Geraldine Coombs	Manchester	Partner	0870 1500 100
Guy Darlaston	London	Partner	0870 1500 100
Colin Ettinger	London	Partner	0207 421 3889
Roger Maddocks	Newcastle	Partner	0191 279 0095
Caroline Pinfold	London	Partner	0870 1500 100
Elaine Russell	Glasgow	Partner	0870 1500 100
David Bell	Glasgow	Solicitor	0870 1500 100

Guidance With Strength And Sensitivity

We understand that contacting a lawyer might seem like a big step - especially if you have not done so before and we have therefore made it easy for you to contact us for free initial advice about your claim.

At Irwin Mitchell we understand the real impact of personal injury. Our team of specialists have the skills and experience to give you clear advice about the chances of pursuing a successful claim and to guide you through the claims process. You can then decide if you want us to pursue your claim on your behalf.

We are renowned for our understanding of the issues affecting you and your family, and we know what positive action to take to make a difference.

At Irwin Mitchell we will fight fearlessly to give you the greatest chance of winning your case, with the best possible outcome, and we will support you every step of the way.

Find out whether you have a claim today. Simply complete our online claim form or call us with details of your accident on 0800 056 4110.