Background
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer caused generally by
exposure to asbestos fibres and dust. The mesothelial
cells cover the outer surface of most of our internal
body organs and form a lining which is where this type
of cancer gets its name.
More people die in Britain from asbestos linked
cancer than are killed in road accidents. Up to 2000
people die each year because of related conditions such
as mesothelioma.
As with other types of
asbestos related
cancers the symptoms can take some time to reveal
themselves, 20-50 years being the normal timescales.
The scientific view is that there is no safe level of
exposure to asbestos dust. Asbestos related diseases
such as mesothelioma can be caused by very low levels of
exposure to asbestos dust. It is now generally held by
the courts that from 1965 onwards employers should have
known that exposing their employees to even low levels
of asbestos dust created a significant health risk of
employees suffering asbestos related cancers and
therefore precautions must be taken to avoid exposing
employees to asbestos dust.
An asbestos victim may be entitled to Industrial
Injuries Disablement Benefit if the asbestos related
disease was caused by asbestos at work. This benefit is
dealt with by Jobcentre Plus. The benefit is only paid
to asbestos victims who have diffuse pleural thickening
or lung cancer (with also asbestosis or diffuse pleural
thickening) or mesothelioma. You will be asked to
attend a medical examination. More on
asbestos
compensation case studies
If you or a relative were exposed to
asbestos
dust or fibres during your working life and believe this
may have caused lung cancer or related problems - you may be able to
claim industrial
disease compensation. Speak to our specialist solicitors today
regarding what legal solutions may be open to you.
Our service is entirely No win no fee and we do not
deduct any of your compensation. 100% GUARNTEED. Read
more on asbestos laws in the
UK and
symptoms of exposure to asbestos.
We can also help you with
accident at work
claims
NEWS
APIL support new Bill allowing workers to claim from
independent body where no other employers liability
insurance can be traced - 17th March 2009
Plymouth is the 3rd worst area in the UK for
asbestos related deaths - 5th March 2009 New
figures released by the Health & Safety Executive (HSE)
have confirmed that Plymouth is the third worst hotspot
for asbestos related deaths in the UK. Statistics
revealed that 373 deaths have been recorded between 1981
and 2005. The high rate has been linked to the use of
asbestos in the dockyards, a major industry within the
town. The towns known to be the top hotspots are Leeds
and Warrington.
Government told to speed up the legal process
currently assessing whether work related victims of
pleural plaques were entitled to compensation -
1st July 2008
Westminster legal advisers are trying to hammer out a
deal which will allow for sufferers to be compensated by
way of a one of payment (around £5000). At this point
case law falls in favour of insurers who say that the
condition itself is symptomless and does not prevent
people from working.
A full consultation document will be released soon
followed by a period of 12 weeks debate before further
progress will be made. Campaigners are unhappy at the
slow progress being made.
If your employer has failed to prevent or
safeguard against your injuries then you may be entitled
to make a claim.
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