Asbestos Exposure

Many people over the years have been exposed to asbestos fibres and those who have been exposed, commonly during the course of their employment, may go on to develop asbestos related disease. The most well known of the asbestos related diseases is Mesothelioma but there are a number of other lesser known but equally serious diseases, including asbestosis related lung cancer. What unites all of these conditions is that they leave behind a grim legacy of exposure to asbestos.

What is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous silicate mineral. One of the main uses of asbestos was buildings due to its heat and fire resistant properties. Asbestos has been in our lives for centuries and has been known to be used universities, building sites, shipyards, homes and even your garden shed.

Many old buildings to this day still have asbestos within them as it was not until the 1980s when it was recognised to be a dangerous substance. It was not until 1999 being completely banned.

Please find more details on: Asbestos: general information – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)

But why is Asbestos so dangerous?

Asbestos is only dangerous if it is being disturbed. So, if you knock it or smash into it and it creates dust, you are then likely to be exposed to asbestos. These asbestos fibres that are in the air are then breathed in by many and when you breath it in this can develop into diseases and/or cancers such as mesothelioma, asbestos related lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques etc.

It is known that many suffered from exposure before 1980s when the dangers first became aware. Many companies still used asbestos heavily prior to 1980s and therefore many older generations are now being diagnosed with some of the diseases listed above.

Fair Treatment to all those exposed to Asbestos?

In a recent article prepared by the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL), they have raised the need for compensation to be fair for those who have suffered asbestos related cancer. It is noted that many victims of asbestos but who do not have mesothelioma do not receive the same level of compensation as those who do have mesothelioma. The APIL committee are therefore seeking for both diseases to be treated as equal. Please see further details of the campaign on APIL news.

Here at Williamsons, we have assisted with many people who have suffered asbestos related injury, which includes mesothelioma as well as other asbestos related diseases, and with every client we strive to get much needed answers and justice. We appreciate that no amount of compensation can undo a diagnosis of asbestos related disease but by securing compensation, it can give peace of mind and help with financial security for someone who has been exposed and to their loved ones.

Not only can our experienced team assist with the bringing of a claim for compensation, we can also provide practical assistance, such as providing guidance in respect of the potential to apply for support under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme and Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefits Scheme.