If you or a loved one has suffered as a result of mesothelioma you may be able to bring a claim for compensation. Call our mesothelioma compensation claims lawyers on Freephone: 0808 164 0808 for a free, no-obligation chat or complete the request a call back form to start a free case assessment.
Mesothelioma is a cancer of the mesothelium that more than 2,500 are diagnosed with each year in the UK. Mesothelium is a thin lining (membrane) that covers the outer surface of many of the body’s organs.
Mesothelioma is generally linked to asbestos exposure. The mesothelium has different names in different parts of the body. In the chest wall and lungs it is called the pleura; and in the abdomen it is called the peritoneum. Rarely, mesothelioma can also occur in the thin membrane that surrounds the testicles or in the membrane that surrounds the heart.
Types of mesothelioma
- Pleural mesothelioma is the most common type of mesothelioma and results from the individual inhaling asbestos fibres into the lungs. As a result of the inhalation a cancer starts in the pleura, the lining that covers the lungs and the lining of the ribcage.
- Peritoneal mesothelioma is a form of cancer that affects the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) and is caused as a result of the ingestion of asbestos fibres. It is much less common than pleural mesothelioma.
- Rarely, a mesothelioma may develop in the outer lining of the heart and this is called Pericardium mesothelioma.
- Mesothelioma of the testicle is also a very rare malignant tumour that accounts for less then 1% of all cases seen.
Mesothelioma has the longest latency of any asbestos related disease, generally taking between 20 and 40 years to develop. Unfortunately, the symptoms of this disease generally only become evident once it has progressed to an advanced stage and as such treatment tends to focus upon maintaining a good quality of life for as long as possible.
High risk exposure occupations
High risk environments and occupations that could result in mesothelioma developing include:
- air-conditioning mechanics
- cable layers
- caretakers and maintenance staff
- chemical technicians
- construction workers
- demolition workers
- gas fitters
- heating engineers
- insulation workers
- Ministry of Defence (MOD)
- painters and decorators
- refrigeration mechanics
- roofing contractors
- sheet metal workers
- telecommunication engineers
If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma and have been exposed to asbestos in your workplace, by the work clothes of a family member or as a result of known exposure in a public building then you may be able to make a claim for compensation.
In certain circumstances it may be possible for us to include a compensation claim for hospice care for the benefit of the hospice alongside the main compensation claim for mesothelioma. Incorporating a claim for the costs of hospice care will not impact the level of compensation for the individual concerned or the relatives.
Time limit to make a compensation claim
Individuals or relatives of those affected by mesothelioma have generally three years from the date of diagnosis in which to bring a claim.
Mesothelioma claims after death
On the assumption a claim was not already time barred it may be possible for the estate to bring a claim after death.
Those bringing a claim on behalf of next of kin will still need to provide some if not all of the following details:
- where the family member worked
- the dates of employment
- the sources of asbestos exposure
- the nature of the work performed
- the type of work undertaken by colleagues or those working in the vicinity
- the levels of daily asbestos exposure
- details of any witnesses
If you or a loved one has suffered from mesothelioma please call our Occupational Disease solicitors for a FREE, no obligation chat on Freephone: 0808 164 0808. Alternatively, you can complete the request a call back form and we will call you.