Asbestos Claims - History, Symptoms and Compensation

by: Andrew Bowen

Asbestos was once regarded as a wonder substance due to its heat resistant properties. It was, therefore, a widely used material, particularly from the 1930’s – 1980’s and exposure still continues wherever it is disturbed / removed.

The cost of asbestos claims in the UK could reach £20 billion in the next 30 years.

Claims can be made by Claimants, even though the exposure was 30 or more years ago, and the past employer(s) has gone out of business.

Claims can also be made for deceased Claimants on behalf of their loved ones/estate.

Successful ‘secondary’ claims for Asbestos exposure have been made by spouses, children and grandchildren, after they were exposed to harmful fibres on work clothes worn home.

The compensation obtained can, in many cases, amount to well in excess of £100,000, depending upon the severity of the particular disease.

Asbestos has no respect for socio-economic group or occupation. There are over 1,000 new cases of Mesothelioma reported every year in the UK. It is generally accepted asbestos is the cause.

The types of occupation where exposure can be found/occur include the following:-

• Asbestos Cement Products Industry (used for strong, inexpensive building materials, eg tiles, corrugated roofing, gutters, water and drain pipes, chimneys etc.
• Floor tiling industry
• Insulation and Fire Proofing
• Carpenters
• Electricians
• Power Plant Works
• Plumbers
• Roofers
• Central Heating and/or air conditioning contractors
• School and Hospital workers
• Ship workers

Symptoms can include breathlessness and persistent coughing which may cause sleepless nights leading to fatigue. Some sufferers report chest pain and feeling as though a heavy weight is pressing down on their chest, depending upon the particular condition.

There are a number of state benefits available to victims and their carers. Specialist Solicitors such as http://www.claimking.com or http://www.nationalinjuryclaims.com can not only pursue compensation claims for sufferers on a true No Win, No Fee basis, but also provide advice and assistance with applications in order to maximise benefit entitlement.