Asbestosis Claims

A claim might be the last thing on your mind if you have recently received a diagnosis of asbestosis. It can be extremely difficult news to take in but it can be important to find out if you are eligible for compensation. Asbestosis compensation can help to make dealing with your diagnosis, and the financial consequences of it, just that little bit easier for you and your family.

Asbestos exposure is the most common cause of work-related deaths worldwide. Even though asbestos use is now illegal in the UK, it is still found in many work locations and buildings and was widely used for insulation and fireproofing. This means that many occupations were at risk of exposure and exposure, even many years ago, can cause asbestosis.

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For no-obligation advice and information, call our specialist accident at work solicitors on 01642 843 667 or use our contact form, and we will call you back.

What Is Asbestosis?

Asbestosis is a life-threatening lung disease that commonly develops as a result of asbestos exposure. Small fibres found in asbestos are inhaled and cause scarring and damage to lung tissue. Asbestos stays in the lungs for many years and the damage can take a while to develop which is why it can take many years from exposure for asbestos to become an issue. Common symptoms of asbestosis can include difficulty breathing and shortness of breath when undergoing even light exercise. Asbestosis is a serious diagnosis which also results in an increased risk of lung cancer. 

Who Is At Risk Of Asbestosis?

It is thought that 125 million people worldwide are at risk of occupational exposure to asbestos. There are a few occupations that run a greater risk of asbestos exposure. 

Construction is particularly high-risk because of the potential for fibres in the air during demolition. Firefighters and other emergency responders who enter unknown and damaged buildings might also be at a higher risk of exposure. Asbestos was commonly used in construction so in cases where asbestos in a structure is disturbed, it can be easy for those fibres to enter the air and be inhaled. Laggers and those who worked directly with asbestos are most at risk.

Other regularly impacted jobs include:

• Chemical workers
• Engineers
• Hospital and office workers
• Railway workers
• Shipyard workers
• Steel industry workers
• Teachers
• Other trades such as decorators, joiners, electricians and plumbers

Can You Claim Compensation For Asbestosis?

In short, yes. You have a period of three years from diagnosis to be able to claim compensation. It is important to note that asbestosis can take decades to develop so this three-year period starts at the point of diagnosis, not exposure.

Asbestosis claims can help families to financially cover the costs associated with this disease and its symptoms. Claims can include sums for current or future lost earnings, rehabilitation expenses or home adaptations and also compensation for any pain and suffering.

How do you prove asbestosis?

Diagnosing asbestosis can be difficult. It is often years before symptoms start to show up so many will live day-to-day unaware that they have asbestosis. You can get an official diagnosis with a series of chest X-rays or CT scans in combination with discussing your exposure history. The X-rays and scans should be able to show the lung tissue damage and provide evidence to support your claim.

How much money can you get from an asbestos claim in the UK?

Asbestosis is a life-threatening condition that is most often caused by work-related exposure. Those able to claim for compensation can typically see figures in excess of £10,000 with some claims over £1,000,000, although these are exceptional. This sum awarded varies on a case-by-case basis.

How long does an asbestos claim take in the UK?

The length of time needed to make an asbestos claim will depend on the complexity of the case. It is not unusual for more complex proceedings to take anywhere from 1 to 3 years. Of course, the more knowledgeable your chosen solicitor is, the easier the process will be.

Macks Solicitors specialise in asbestos claims and are the perfect partner for anyone looking to make an asbestosis claim in the UK.

Can I sue for asbestos exposure in the UK?

In England and Wales, it is possible to claim compensation for mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening that result from asbestos exposure. An accurate diagnosis is important to your claim and it is also very important that claimants can pinpoint when and where they might have been exposed to asbestos. Asbestosis, unlike some other asbestos-related conditions, is generally caused by prolonged exposure to asbestos and this exposure is most often work-related. 

Can you make an asbestosis claim after death?

The loss of a loved one is devastating for a family, particularly in cases where death may be caused by exposure to asbestos at work. Our professional team understands how difficult it can be to pursue a claim following a death. We also know how important financial security can be and for families to know that those who caused the exposure to asbestos have been held to account.

It is possible for immediate family to make asbestosis claims on behalf of a loved one who has passed away. Our experienced team is on hand to help at what can be an extremely difficult time.

Who can claim asbestosis after death?

Most often claims are made by the spouse or child of a loved one who has passed away as a result of asbestosis. Claims can also be made by someone who was financially reliant on someone who has passed away. The claims are usually brought by the executors of the estate of the person who died of asbestosis.

How To Make An Asbestosis Claim

Macks Solicitors are an experienced team specialising in asbestos claims. This enables us to help sufferers and their families with asbestos-related claims. If you have received a diagnosis of asbestosis or think you may have asbestosis then do not hesitate to contact us. 

Contact Us Today

For more information about making an asbestos claim, you can call us on 01642 843 667; alternatively, complete our online contact form and one of our asbestos solicitors will be in touch.