Statistics reveal that as many as 1 in every 100 men over 40 in the U.K. will develop a malignant asbestos related disease. It is also believed that an increasing number of women of the same age group are also at risk.
Exposure to asbestos can lead to benign pleural disease; the most common disease which results from asbestos exposure. Other associated illnesses and diseases that may result from exposure to asbestos include mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques. If you have contracted an illness or disease associated with asbestos exposure, you may be entitled to make a claim for compensation.
Irwin Mitchell has unrivalled experience in handling asbestos claims. Our specialist solicitors have secured significant compensation for claims involving illnesses and diseases that have been contracted as a result of asbestos exposure. You can be assured that our dedicated team will provide you with tailored advice for your individual case, and will always strive to secure the compensation that you deserve.
As one of the country’s leading legal practices, we have represented clients for many significant, groundbreaking claims. In one of our landmark cases, we secured the highest damages award for a mesothelioma compensation claim in British history: £4.37 million.
How Harmful Is Asbestos?
Exposure to asbestos over a prolonged period of time can be extremely harmful. The material, in all its forms is considered to have toxicity and the inhalation of its fibres can lead to major illnesses and diseases.
In many cases, the diseases that can be developed as a result of asbestos exposure will not surface until a significant period of time following the initial exposure. This is why many people who have been exposed to the material develop diseases later in life. It is estimated that 4,000 people per year die as a result of asbestos-related diseases.
Because of the significantly harmful effects of asbestos, U.K. health and safety regulations have banned the use of the material in all new buildings.
Who Can Make An Asbestos Claim?
Anyone who has been exposed to asbestos and developed an illness as a result of exposure may be able to make an asbestos claim with Irwin Mitchell. Even if you are unsure of where you came into contact with asbestos, we may still be able to help support your claim.
Most people who make an asbestos claim have worked in an environment with an asbestos presence over a long period of time; these include construction and demolition workers.
Contracting an asbestos-related illness is not isolated to those who have worked in an environment which contains asbestos. Exposure to asbestos can occur indirectly; as a result of contaminated items. Asbestos fibres are carried on clothing and exposure to these clothes puts family members at risk of contracting asbestos-related illnesses.
I Can't Remember Having Any Contact With Asbestos – Can I Still Make An Asbestos Claim?
It is very common that those who have developed asbestos-related illnesses cannot pinpoint when or where they were exposed to the material. Often, claimants cannot remember having any contact with asbestos. As asbestos fibres are airborne and cannot be seen, many people will be unaware that they were in proximity to asbestos at all.
In cases such as these it may be possible to claim ‘no fault’ compensation. This type of compensation means that it is unnecessary to claim against a previous employer if they are no longer in existence or if it is not possible to pinpoint where the exposure to asbestos took place. Irwin Mitchell has extensive experience in dealing with claims of this sort and can advise the best possible route to compensate you with your asbestos claim.
If you feel that you may have developed a disease following exposure to asbestos, complete a claim form today to see if you can claim.