Asbestos related diseases and Compensation

Asbestos was a popular building material throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The material was considered ideal for a number of reasons, particularly in industrial and agricultural buildings. However its use in domestic properties and public buildings such as schools and hospitals was also widespread. Fire retardant, with high electrical resistance, plentiful and cheap, it was seen as the perfect solution to create safe buildings. As many of these buildings had a limited lifespan, exposure to asbestos became common in the 20th century, amongst builders and workers, removing all or part of these structures. However, despite its useful qualities, asbestos had a downside. Asbestos related illnesses have now become widespread and the inherent dangers of working with the material are now well documented. Today, more and more people suffering from asbestos related conditions are claiming asbestos compensation and laws are now in place to assist those affected.

Asbestos related conditions

There are three common conditions associated with exposure to asbestos:

* Asbestosis: This condition is the result of scarring of lung tissues as a result of inhaling asbestos fibres. The body attempts to dissolve the fibres by producing an acid, which ultimately scars the lung tissue. This condition can take up to 20 years to develop.
* Mesothelioma: This is a cancer which affects the ‘mesothelial’ linings of the lungs or the chest cavity. It can develop around the lungs, in the abdomen or the pericardium – the tissues that surround the heart. Mesothelioma can develop up to 50 years after exposure. Modern research suggests that the cancer is not connected to smoking but is purely the result of exposure to asbestos
* Cancer: numerous cancers have now been identified as resulting from exposure to asbestos. They include lung, kidney, larynx and intestinal cancers.

Claiming asbestos compensation can be a complex process in the UK. A number of high profile cases have been successful in making claims against public bodies and other organisations. The insurance industry in the UK blames the rapid rise in asbestos compensation claims in the last decade for massive losses. As a result this industry is constantly putting pressure on both the government and courts and will often fight asbestos compensation claims robustly. Health and Safety Laws and precedents in the courts still put justice on the side of victims, however getting good legal advice when making an asbestos compensation claim, is more crucial than ever before.
Asbestos compensation is now being widely claimed by workers affected by exposure to asbestos. With some forms of the illness taking nearly 50 years to emerge, claims for compensation are set to rise in the future.