 |
|
Asbestos Compensation Claims |
|
| These are the principal asbestos related diseases
where victims and their families have been entitled to significant compensation claims. |
 |
|  | |
Mesothelioma |
|
| | |
Asbestosis |
|
| |
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| | |
Asbestos Lung Cancer |
|
| | |
Pleural Thickening and Plaques |
|
|
|
| Mesothelioma |
|
|
Mesothelium is the tissue formed by specialised cells called
mesothelial cells a layer of which lines the chest cavity, abdominal cavity, and the cavity around the heart.
The mesothelium helps to protect the organs by producing a special lubricating fluid that allows organs to move around;
for example it assists the lungs to move inside the chest during breathing.
A malignant tumor of the mesothelium is called a malignant mesothelioma. |
|
| Early symptoms can often be mistaken for minor ailments.
There can be pain in the lower back, or at the side of the chest. Other symptoms include shortness of breath,
trouble swallowing, coughing, fever, weight loss, tiredness, hoarseness, coughing up blood, swelling of the face and arms,
muscle weakness and a diminishing of the senses. |
|
| Once breathed in, asbestos fibres travel to the ends of
small air passages and reach the pleura where they damage the mesothelial cells which can cause cancer.
They also injure the lung cells which can result in lung cancer. Exposure to asbestos in most cases takes
place at work, however, it can also occur through environmental, or household contamination.
|
|
| Asbestosis |
|
|
| Exposure to asbestos can cause scarring, (fibrosis), of
the lung. This leads to a reduction in lung function causing breathlessness.
This condition develops over many years and is invariably progressive. |
|
| Pleural Thickening |
|
|
| Generalised scarring in the pleura can affect both lungs
but not necessarily to the same extent. The consequent thickening of the pleura constricts the lung
thus reducing lung volume causing breathlessness. The scarring of the pleura is caused primarily by exposure to asbestos. |
|
| Pleural Plaques |
|
|
| The pleura is a membrane which surrounds the lungs and lines
the inside of the rib cage and is made up of two layers. Once inhaled, asbestos fibres can work their way out to the
pleura and this may result in scarring to develop, which in turn causes the pleura to thicken.
Pleural plaques are areas of thickening specific to the outer layer of the pleura which lines the chest wall. They cause
impairment of the lungs. Pleural plaques are a sign of exposure to asbestos and may often be an early indication of
further problems being diagnosed at a later date. |
|
| Making a claim |
|
|
| If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related disease in the last 3 years you will be able to make a claim.
The success of the claim will depend on whether the company where the exposure occurred is still in existence.
If you are not sure, don't worry; it could be that the company was taken over, or that the insurers of the company still exist.
In either case we will find out on your behalf as part of the service. Simply call us on freephone 0800 783 9535. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
