When people think about asbestos exposure, they often picture someone who worked directly with asbestos in industries such as construction, engineering or shipbuilding. However, not everyone who develops an asbestos-related disease was exposed in the workplace.
For many families, exposure happened in the home, through exposure to asbestos fibres carried on a loved one’s work clothes. This is known as secondary asbestos exposure, and it has led to life-changing illnesses for many people, often decades after the original exposure.
What is secondary asbestos exposure?
Secondary asbestos exposure occurs when someone inhales asbestos fibres that have been brought home by another person.
In the past, workers often returned home wearing contaminated overalls or work clothing. It was common for family members to shake out, wash or handle these clothes before laundering them, unknowingly exposing themselves to asbestos fibres.
Sadly, this type of exposure has resulted in many people developing asbestos-related illnesses years later.
Who has been affected?
Historically, many of those diagnosed following secondary exposure were wives or partners who regularly washed work clothes contaminated with asbestos.
However, exposure was not limited to spouses. Other family members, including children who hugged a parent returning from work or handled contaminated clothing, may also have been exposed.
Because asbestos-related diseases can take many decades to develop, many people are only now receiving diagnoses linked to exposure that occurred many years ago.
Which diseases can be caused by secondary exposure?
Secondary asbestos exposure has been linked to several serious illnesses, including:
- mesothelioma;
- asbestosis;
- asbestos-related lung cancer; and
- diffuse pleural thickening.
Mesothelioma is particularly associated with relatively low levels of asbestos exposure, meaning even those who were never employed in an asbestos-related occupation may still be at risk.
Can I make a compensation claim?
If you’ve been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness as a result of secondary exposure, you may be entitled to pursue compensation.
These claims often involve investigating:
- where and when the original exposure occurred;
- the employer responsible;
- the working practices in place at the time; and
- the medical evidence linking the illness to asbestos exposure.
Although these events may have happened many years ago, it is often still possible to investigate a claim.
What if the employer no longer exists?
Many people worry that they cannot claim because the employer responsible has ceased trading.
In many cases, this does not prevent a claim from being made.
Specialist solicitors can often trace historic employers’ liability insurers, meaning compensation may still be available even where a company closed decades ago.
Why specialist legal advice is important
Asbestos claims often involve events that took place many years ago, making them different from many other types of personal injury claims.
An experienced solicitor can investigate employment records, obtain medical evidence and trace historic insurers where necessary, helping to establish whether a claim can be pursued.
Early legal advice can also provide reassurance and clarity during what is often a very difficult time.
How Oliver & Co Solicitors can help
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness following secondary asbestos exposure, you don’t have to face the future alone. Our experienced Industrial Disease team specialises in asbestos claims and can provide clear, compassionate advice about your legal options. Contact us to discuss your circumstances and find out how we can help. You can call us on 01244 312306, email us at law@oliverandco.co.uk or complete our Contact Form and we’ll get in touch with you as soon as possible.
