If you believe that you have been exposed to asbestos during the course of your employment and have suffered illness as a result then it is vital that you speak to a firm of asbestos lawyers.

Asbestos has often been referred to as the ‘hidden killer’.  Exposure to the substance can result in the contraction of a number of serious illnesses including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis and pleural thickening.

Asbestos Lawyers – What Exactly Is Asbestos?

Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous that has been used as a popular building material since the 1950s. It can often be very difficult to know if you have been exposed to asbestos as it is often combined with other substances used in the building trade.

Asbestos has been used for : internal and external wall panelling, water tanks for houses that were built prior to 1980 and in loft and wall cavities in a loose form for insulation purposes.

Asbestos should not have been used on any building that was built or refurbished after the year 2000.

If you are working on a site that was built prior to the year 2000 it is important to check that you are not working on products that contain asbestos.

Asbestos Lawyers – The Facts

• It is estimated that 20 tradesmen die from asbestos–related diseases every week.
• Asbestos-related diseases can take anything from 15 to 60 years to develop.
• Asbestos exposure is responsible for over 4000 deaths in the UK every year.
• Approximately half a million non-domestic homes still contain some form of asbestos.

Asbestos Lawyers – Can I make A Claim?

Asbestos lawyers will be able to assist you with a claim for compensation if you have been exposed to asbestos during the course of your employment and you believe this has caused you to contract an illness.

Exposure to asbestos is common amongst those working in the building and demolition trade, though it may also be passed on indirectly to family members  as the fibres can be carried on clothing.

If you have been working on building sites and in construction for a number of years then it may be difficult to pinpoint the exact moment when the exposure to asbestos occurred.

As the fibres cannot be seen you may not be aware that you have even been exposed to asbestos. In cases such as this, or if your previous employer is no longer trading, it may be possible to pursue a ‘no fault’ compensation claim.

‘No fault’ refers to claims where compensation is paid out by the government or independent bodies without legal action being taken against the responsible party.

When making an asbestos related personal injury claim you may also be able to make a claim for any financial losses incurred as a result of the asbestos exposure.

If you have contracted an illness that has caused you to miss work then you may be able to claim for any loss of earnings.

Specialist asbestos lawyers will be able to discuss your claim in further detail if you believe that you suffered an illness as a result of asbestos exposure.