Asbestos, once widely used, is now recognized as an extremely hazardous material that requires careful handling. Despite the laws and policies in place since the 1930’s, thousands of workers were exposed to asbestos fibres due to negligence of their employers. At the time, these workers were unaware of the long-term damage that was being done to their lungs with each breath they took. Consequently, these harmful fibres have infiltrated their respiratory system, leading to breathing restrictions, lifelong conditions, and, tragically, terminal cancer in the form of mesothelioma.
Just get on with the job
Many affected individuals belong to a generation that was encouraged to “just get on with the job.” Consequently, they often don’t realise they may be eligible for substantial compensation payments. The prevailing “keep calm and carry on” attitude of the day combined with an overburdened National Health Service, results in delayed diagnoses and missed opportunities for compensation and private treatment.
Mesothelioma risk
Sadly, mesothelioma can be caused by inhaling even a single fibre. While rare, we regularly encounter individuals whose lives have been upended by this devastating condition. When we first speak to our clients, one critical task is to determine if they recall any asbestos exposure. Some vividly remember working day in and day out with asbestos, inhaling its deadly fibres as part of their job, but others struggle to recall the crucial details necessary for a legal claim.
Our recommendations:
- Document Exposure: If you’ve been exposed to asbestos in the past, regardless of the level of exposure, write down the details. This documentation will be crucial if you are diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and you or your family decide to pursue a claim.
- Seek Medical Attention: If you experience symptoms of breathing difficulties, consult your doctor immediately. Court-appointed time limits apply starting from the moment you notice symptoms that you attribute to the negligence of an employer. This means that once you realise that your breathing problems could be due to your workplace exposure to asbestos, the clock starts running and if you do bit issue court proceedings within three years, your claim will be considered “out of time”.
Improved health and safety
Hopefully, with the health and safety conscious policies now in place, we will see a reduction in the amount of people being diagnosed with mesothelioma. However, as asbestos conditions take so long to surface following the exposure, there could still be many people who have been exposed and have this horrendous condition waiting to be diagnosed in their future. If you have any concerns that this could be you, do not hesitate to get in touch with us for free, expert advice.
We can help
If you require assistance in pursuing a mesothelioma claim, or believe you have a valid claim for any other asbestos disease, then please contact us today on our freephone number 0800 038 6767. Alternatively, head over to the ‘Contact Us’ page, complete the form and we will be in touch.
