Asbestos related disease
Russell Jones & Walker is recognised as a leading firm in asbestos claims. We have been acting for sufferers of asbestos related conditions for over 30 years.
Since the early 1940s millions of people have been exposed to asbestos at work. Not all will develop a disease as a result of their exposure. However, if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease you will probably be able to claim compensation. It is also possible that you will be able to make a claim if you were exposed to asbestos in circumstances other than at work.
There are a number of different illnesses which are or may be caused by asbestos exposure:
Pleural plaques
These raised areas of transparent fibrous tissue can be seen lining the pleura. They are caused by regular exposure to asbestos fibres but don’t generally cause impairment of the lungs. Pleural plaques have no effect on life expectancy and investigation is by chest x-ray.
Pleural thickening
The pleura is the lining of the lung. Fibrosis of the pleura can create a thickening of the lining which, if extensive, may cause breathlessness during activity, and chest expansion will also be reduced. Investigation is by x-ray and lung function tests. The condition does not affect life expectancy.
Asbestosis
Asbestosis can develop as a result of prolonged exposure to asbestos, usually more than 20 years. Symptoms include progressive shortness of breath, clubbing of fingertips and abnormal chest sounds (known as basal crackles). The sufferer will have been exposed to heavy amounts of asbestos fibres before contracting this condition. Investigation is by means of a combination of chest x-ray, high resolution CT scan, pulmonary function tests and a bronco alveolar lavage. The condition progresses slowly and it can be very disabling, but few patients die from asbestosis.
Lung cancer
People suffering from asbestosis or exposure to a level of fibres likely to cause asbestosis, may develop lung cancer. Sufferers who have also smoked are more likely to develop the disease. Deaths from asbestos-induced lung cancer are approximately twice as common as from mesothelioma.
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a tumour, most commonly occurring in the lining of the lungs. The tumour can appear anything from ten to fifty years after exposure to asbestos. This extremely serious condition typically causes chest pain and shortness of breath which progressively become worse. Investigation is by chest x-ray, CAT scan, pleural fluid aspiration and thorascopic biopsy. Research is continuing into its treatment, and a drug ‘Alimta’ has recently shown some success in extending life expectancy, though it’s not available through the NHS.
What should I do next?
If you are diagnosed with any of these conditions and you know that you have been exposed to asbestos, you should contact us straight away as there are time limits for bringing a claim.
We are here to support you through your claim and to obtain for you the highest possible compensation in the shortest possible time.
Please contact us on: 0870 143 0970 or email enquries@rjw.co.uk to discuss your claim with one of our specialist asbestos lawyers.
Asbestos Fact Sheet