Asbestos related diseases are some of the most aggressive and often life-threatening industrial conditions. Often taking the form of cancer, in particular mesothelioma; once patients are diagnosed they are often given a very limited prognosis.
Although the use of asbestos was fully banned in 1999, mesothelioma takes many years to develop following the inhalation of asbestos fibres. There was widespread industrial use of asbestos during 1950-1980 and so, annual deaths attributable to occupational asbestos exposure have increased dramatically over the last 50 years.
The Health and Safety Executive (‘HSE’) has recently published the 2022 statistics which confirm that there were 2,544 mesothelioma deaths in Great Britain in 2020. Men who worked in the construction industry when asbestos was used extensively in the past are the most at risk of mesothelioma. In 2020 there were 2,085 male deaths compared to 459 female deaths.
The time between the initial exposure to asbestos and the manifestation of the disease is reported to be typically 30 years. Many cases are diagnosed only at a more advanced stage as symptoms can be non-specific and might only be present later in the development of the disease.
The HSE refer to an epidemiological study of mesothelioma which suggests that around 46% of the mesotheliomas among men born in the 1940s would be attributed to building work exposures, with 17% attributed to carpentry work alone. The analysis of female mesothelioma deaths suggests a higher mortality risk for those that worked in schools and administrative occupations than nurses, sales occupations and process operatives. It is often difficult to trace where the exposure or exposures might have taken place and it may even have been as simple as from washing work overalls at home, that had been exposed to asbestos within the construction industry.
If you or a family member has been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or if a family member has sadly passed away from mesothelioma, you may be entitled to receive compensation.
Due to the historic nature of these claims, many employers or organisations that were responsible for allowing asbestos exposure to continue now no longer exist. If this is the case, you can still claim asbestos compensation through the insurance company which provided insurance at the time of the exposure.
It is important to obtain legal advice as soon as possible as there are time-limits attached to asbestos-related claims. Our team of solicitors are dedicated to obtaining the right result for clients and have helped many victims of mesothelioma and their families to obtain the compensation they deserve. For a free, no-obligation assessment of your case call 0845 287 0939, or contact us through our online form and a member of the team will get in touch.
