Mesothelioma is a cancer caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibres. During the 1960s and 70s, there was a heavy use of asbestos in the industry and many workers were unwittingly exposed to these deadly fibres. Many cases have occurred in families of workers exposed to asbestos who carried the dust home on their clothes and hair.
To begin with, many employers were not aware of the dangers of asbestos which causes mesothelioma but the link between this cancer and asbestos was made in the 1960s and employers should have taken steps to protect their employees. Their failure to provide adequate training or protective clothing and equipment may enable an employee to hold them responsible should they suffer from an industrial disease such as mesothelioma.
Can I make a claim?
If you are living with an asbestos related illness such as mesothelioma, it is likely you will be able to claim compensation along with a range of benefits.
Given the time lapse in mesothelioma developing we appreciate that it may be difficult for you to recall how and where you were exposed to asbestos however using our specialist knowledge we can assist in helping you identify how you may have been exposed to this asbestos dust.
What if the company I worked for no longer exists?
Whilst you may think you are unable to claim as your former employers are no longer an active company that is not the case. A claim can be brought against the insurers who were on risk at the time of your employment and we can assist in tracing those insurers.
If the insurers are untraceable, it is possible for a claim to be made under the Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 or the Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme which provides lump sum payments to sufferers of certain dust related industrial diseases.
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you may be eligible to apply for a variety of benefits which are not means tested.
The standard time limit for starting a personal injury claim is 3 years however in asbestos related claims, this is from the date you became aware that you were suffering from an illness caused by your exposure to asbestos.
If you think you may have a claim, please contact us to discuss the matter on 0800 988 8082 or complete our online enquiry form and a member of our team will get back to you right away.
