Here at Oliver & Co, our dedicated Industrial Disease team are highly specialised in asbestos-related disease claims, including claims for mesothelioma, a sadly incurable asbestos-related cancer.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a cancerous tumour which is, in most known cases, caused by inhaling asbestos fibres. In the majority of cases, our clients have come into contact with asbestos during their working life.
Unfortunately, the delay in experiencing symptoms of mesothelioma can vary between 10 to 50 years following exposure to asbestos. This means that by the time of diagnosis the disease is often progressed and, consequently, there is no known cure for this disease.
Case study: Recovering private treatment costs
We recently settled a claim for a client who had been exposed to asbestos during his working life as a painter and decorator during the 1950s and 1960s. He was subsequently diagnosed with mesothelioma in 2019.
We worked swiftly to investigate the source of the exposure and to obtain evidence in support of our client’s claim.
As part of the claim, we instructed an expert Consultant Respiratory Physician who confirmed that our client’s asbestos exposure was linked to his diagnosis of mesothelioma. The expert recommended private treatment for our client, not available on the NHS, to help to slow the progression of his disease.
We were able to settle the claim on the basis that our client was able to claim the costs of the private treatment from the defendant in addition to the compensation lump sum agreed.
The claim was settled within 6 months of our client’s initial instructions and he is now able to undergo the private treatment he needs to help to fight his disease.
What does this mean going forward?
It is important that compensation does not only compensate for what has happened in the past, but also provides security and means of funding to help our clients going forward with the treatment and care they need.
We are proud that we are able to provide our clients with the opportunity to undergo private treatment to give them the best chance of fighting their disease
How can we help?
If you or a loved one has been exposed to asbestos or recently diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and require assistance in pursuing a claim, please contact our specialist Industrial Disease solicitors by calling 01244 312 306 or by email at law@oliverandco.co.uk.
