BLF Raising Knowledge of Asbestos with “Action Mesothelioma cancer Day”

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) is marking today (Friday sixth Come july 1st, 2012) as “Action Asbestos Day” which is reviving their demand greater comprehension of asbestos slightly known, terminal cancer triggered by inhaling harmful asbestos fibres.
Great britain has among the greatest reported mortality rates from asbestos that each other country inside planet, with 2,300 Uk citizens wiped out in the cancer annually. Based on the BLF and also the HSE, unlike most mortality rates from cancer, deaths from asbestos have nearly quadrupled within the last Thirty years. Cancer now kills more and more people within the Great britain than more well-known cancer for instance cervical cancer, testicular cancer, thyroid cancer, mouth cancer and malignant melanoma.
Such figures are of no comfort whatsoever to folks identified while using condition along with their families but you have to stress the truly few individuals that are exposed to asbestos develop mesothelioma cancer.
What’s Asbestos Cancer?
Mesothelioma cancer is definitely an uncommon kind of cancer typically triggered by exposure of asbestos. The most frequent kind of asbestos evolves inside the voice and chest wall (the pleura) though rapid ejaculation also based in the abdominal cavity (the peritoneum), the pericardium (the sac all around the heart) or even the spot surrounding some guy?s testicles (tunica vaginalis). Although various remedies could be attempted, specifically when the asbestos is identified rapidly, the prognosis for mesothelioma cancer sufferers is generally inadequate and despite recent enhancements and developments in treatment.

Most asbestos related conditions may be ‘dose related’, put simply greater exposure you have to asbestos dust and fibres the much more likely you are affected ill-affects later in life. Similarly there’s opinion in medical circles that smoking cigarettes bakes a person less strong for your risks of asbestos dust contaminants. Neither of men and women factors affect asbestos, naturally the more exposure there’s a far more chance that may penetrate your body but research shows that asbestos can produce in case just one asbestos fibre makes its way into our physiques and cigarette smoking history seems to experience no part in the development.
Typically it absolutely was considered that mesothelioma cancer cases were restricted to individuals in heavy industry including engineering or ship building and although perform still see cases from such professions recently we have seen cases due to unpredicted sources. As asbestos could possibly be triggered by inhaling of merely one fibre, there is cases reported from instructors along with other professions which have labored in structures where asbestos have been contained inside the making of the where a pushing a drawing pin in to the wall was enough to produce deadly fibres towards the atmosphere
Take 5 and turn into Alive
Professionals like the ones given above aren’t people effected from the connection with asbestos. This coming year, the BLF released “Take 5 and remain Alive” campaign, which seeks to enhance awareness that the asbestos remains any hazard within the countless houses and individuals undertaking DIY independently houses built or refurbished before 1999 ? 4 seasons asbestos was finally banned just like a building material on this country.
The campaign encourages anyone that is considering doing DIY or makeovers within their home or on the job to make sure they appear in to the Take 5 and grow Alive website for information about securely determining and with asbestos.
Just How Can We Help?
In the event you or somebody in your area continues to be impacted by Asbestos Fibrosis or Lung Interstitial Fibrosis consequently of reference to asbestos in the office, you are able to well be capable of claim for compensation. Similarly, for those who have tragically lost a relative due the results of asbestos inhalation you might like to manage to take court action.

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Mesothelioma Claim

What is Mesothelioma?
Introduction to Mesothelioma
Types of Mesothelioma
Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma
How is Mesothelioma Contracted?
Causes of Mesothelioma
Workers most at risk from developing Mesothelioma
Professions where asbestos was commonplace
What is asbestos?
How asbestos was used
Examples of Mesothelioma Compensation Claims we have dealt with
Successful Mesothelioma Compensation Claims dealt with by Thompsons
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Seeking Medical help
Mesothelioma Compensation Claim Advice
Thompsons Solicitors and Mesothelioma Claims

What is Mesothelioma?

Introduction to Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer which is caused by exposure to asbestos and is most commonly contracted due to exposure to asbestos at work. Mesothelioma is often known by the term 'Meso', a shortened version of the full name.
The name 'Mesothelioma' comes from the fact that the cells affected by this cancer are the mesothelial cells which cover the outer surface of the body's internal organs. Mesothelioma can be found on the lungs, the heart or the abdomen.
Unfortunately, there is no cure for mesothelioma and after diagnosis victims may only have a short time to live. It will usually be investigated whether surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy would be worthwhile; however, mesothelioma is considered to be a terminal illness.
If you have contracted mesothelioma, you may be entitled to make a mesothelioma claim and should consult a mesothelioma solicitor.

Types of Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma

There are two main types of mesothelioma, called Pleural Mesothelioma and Peritoneal Mesothelioma.

Pleural Mesothelioma

Pleural Mesothelioma is the most common and is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres into the lungs. A tumour forms on the lining (pleura) of the lungs, which makes breathing difficult and painful. The majority of mesothelioma claims we deal with are for Pleural Mesothelioma.

Peritoneal Mesothelioma

Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common but is also caused by exposure to asbestos. A tumour then develops on the lining of the abdomen (peritoneum) which prevents it from working properly to lubricate the organs inside the abdomen. Although Peritoneal Mesothelioma is less common we have still dealt with mesothelioma claims for this disease.

How is Mesothelioma Contracted?

Causes of Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by breathing in asbestos dust. Mesothelioma affects approximately four times as many men as women. This is because in most cases the exposure to asbestos occurred at work in places such as shipyards, building sites, power stations, railway workshops and other factories where predominantly men were employed decades ago.
Unlike other asbestos related conditions, mesothelioma can develop even after exposure to relatively low levels of asbestos or where the exposure took place over a relatively short period of time.
Many women who have developed mesothelioma have contracted it after contact with the work clothes and overalls belonging to their male relatives although some were directly exposed at work or by living close by to a factory which released asbestos fibres into the surrounding environment.

Workers most at risk from developing Mesothelioma

Professions where asbestos was commonplace

At Thompsons Solicitors, we have helped many victims of asbestos to make mesothelioma claims. Due to the fact that we have dealt with so many of these mesothelioma claims we have seen a pattern develop showing the workers most at risk from developing mesothelioma and some of these are listed below.
Boilermakers and Laggers - It was commonplace for boilers to be insulated with asbestos lagging. Boilermakers also work alongside the contractors (laggers) who install and renew asbestos boiler insulation. This type of work has put boilermakers and laggers at a particularly high risk of developing mesothelioma.
Electricians - are at risk of developing mesothelioma because they also worked alongside laggers. Electricians also often have to cut or drill through asbestos insulation to install cable trays, instruments, switches and wiring systems.
Joiners and Carpenters and Builders - are also at risk of developing mesothelioma as a result of sawing, drilling and fixing or replacing asbestos cement board often used in partition walls, suspended ceilings, flooring, roof tiles and thermal insulation.
Motor Mechanics - may have been exposed to asbestos as it was frequently used in brake pads and clutches. This has put some Motor Mechanics at risk of developing mesothelioma.
Pipe Fitters and Plumbers - install, maintain and repair pipes, boilers and heating systems. The nature of their work means that they have to cut or drill through walls as well as cutting and assembling sections of pipe, removing and replacing damaged sections of pipe, valve and flanges etc. All of these tasks put them at risk of developing mesothelioma as pipes frequently used to be covered with asbestos lagging. As the pipes were cut, fibres from the asbestos lagging were released into the air and inhaled by the pipefitter or plumber.
Victims of mesothelioma are certainly not limited to the professions mentioned above. Our specialist mesothelioma solicitors / lawyers have helped victims of this asbestos related disease with their mesothelioma claims who have worked in many other professions including fire fighters, teachers, police officers, managers and a professor.

What is asbestos?

How asbestos was used

Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral and its name is derived from a Greek word meaning inextinguishable. It was mined and used by the Ancient Greeks and the Romans then became increasingly popular during the 19th century.
Due to its resistance to heat, electricity and chemical damage, together with its ability to absorb sound, asbestos was commonly used by the building trade as an additive to cement, by the car industry as brake shoes and in the engineering industry as a lagging for pipes and boilers.
Asbestos was used heavily after the Second World War in 1945 and was not completely banned from use in the UK until 1999.

Examples of Mesothelioma Compensation Claims we have dealt with

Successful Mesothelioma Compensation Claims dealt with by Thompsons

Over the years, Thompsons Solicitors have successfully recovered compensation for many thousands of mesothelioma sufferers and their families.
Below you will find links to a few of some of the most recent mesothelioma claims we have dealt with.
22nd February 2013 - Information about Wonford Hospital needed to help explain asbestos death
21st February 2013 - Bathroom manufacturer pays asbestos compensation to factory worker
20th February 2013 - Joiner's family assist hospice after mesothelioma death
19th February 2013 - Union member compensated after cancer diagnosis
8th February 2013 - Power station worker compensated for asbestos cancer
5th February 2013 - Thompsons secures compensation for family of man exposed to asbestos
18th January 2013 - Hospice helped by patient’s family
14th January 2013 - North East asbestos victim compensated
11th January 2013 - Nuclear mathematician’s family compensated for fatal asbestos cancer
8th January 2013 - Former Mayor with asbestos cancer calls for contact from work colleagues
17th December 2012 - Family of asbestos victim calls for information from his former workmates
13th December 2012 - Retired railway worker compensated for asbestos cancer
10th December 2012 - Thompsons secures £160,000 asbestos compensation for former carpenter’s labourer
We also often receive letters of thanks from clients we have helped with mesothelioma claims or their families. Extracts from just a couple of these letters received recently are below:
Kept fully informed at every step of the procedure - Sent to Lorna Webster
"Having recently had my compensation claim settled and concluded by Thompsons Solicitors and in particular Lorna Webster and her team, I wish to complement them on their efficiency and professionalism. From the very first meeting with Lorna Webster to the last I have been kept fully informed at every step of the procedure, all my queries answered and every avenue examined. I cannot praise enough the total professionalism and compassion shown by Lorna Webster in dealing with my claim and of her vast knowledge and experience in the field of asbestos."
We were truly blessed to have you working on our father's case - Sent to Joanne Candlish
"How can we begin to thank you for all you have done? Not only have you had to work through a mountain of paperwork, attend numerous meetings and endless court appearances, you have also found the time to support me and consider my personal beliefs. You have listened to me and never judged. It takes someone with extra special qualities to do what you did on our behalf and I'm sure Thompsons Solicitors are extremely proud to have you on their side. We were truly blessed to have you working on our father's case. As you know, my father had his own words to express his thanks. This is what he would have said to you and meant it "Much Obliged, Thank You and God Bless You".
If you are considering making a claim for mesothelioma compensation, contact us for free and confidential legal advice. You can reach us on 08000 224 224 or by completing one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

Symptoms of Mesothelioma

Seeking Medical help

Mesothelioma can develop between 15 and 40 years or more after an exposure to asbestos. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and you start to suffer from any of the following symptoms you should visit your GP and mention your concerns:

Pains in the lower back, abdomen or chest
A persistent cough
Breathing difficulties, shortness of breath or a feeling of tightness in the chest
Rapid weight loss
Problems with appetite or difficulty swallowing
Sweating, fevers, diarrhoea or constipation
Nausea or vomiting
Swelling of the abdomen

Some people with mesothelioma have no symptoms at all in the early stages; therefore, if you know that you have been exposed to asbestos in the past and believe it may be the cause of your symptoms, it is always a good idea to visit a doctor for medical advice. Any damage caused by asbestos may be possible to detect with a scan or x-ray.
For more information about mesothelioma, read our mesothelioma leaflet.
Thompsons Solicitors have also written an information page with advice for people who have recently been exposed to asbestos but have not been diagnosed with a related illness.

Mesothelioma Compensation Claim Advice

Thompsons Solicitors and Mesothelioma Claims

If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate and free compensation claim advice.
Thompsons Solicitors have a history of fighting for the rights of all workers and in particular for those who have been negligently exposed to asbestos by their employers. We won the first ever successful compensation claim in the UK for asbestos related disease in 1972. We have been involved in numerous campaigns to ensure that victims of asbestos receive the medical care and compensation they are entitled to.
When a person with mesothelioma, or their family, claims compensation a claim can also be
made for the cost of the care provided by the hospice. Read how mesothelioma patients could help the hospice. Click on the following link to view as a PDF.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters and have teams of specialist mesothelioma solicitors / lawyers. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for mesothelioma compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online personal injury compensation claim forms.

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What causes asbestos related diseases such as malignant mesothelioma?

Asbestos related diseases are caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a mineral and it is a fibre. Its unique properties – flexibility, tensile strength, insulation (from heat and electricity) and chemical inertness – once gave it a reputation as one of the most useful and versatile minerals known to humanity. It is the only natural mineral that can be spun and woven like cotton or wool into useful fibres and fabrics.
At one time, asbestos was used in more than 3000 products. From 1950 to 1970, asbestos was everywhere. While the use of asbestos declined from the 1980s, asbestos continued to be imported into Australia until January 2004.
As a result, many people in the community are likely to have been exposed to asbestos and develop an asbestos-related disease. It is unusual for it to strike someone under the age of 30 years, because there is generally a period of 15 to 40 years between exposure to asbestos and the occurrence of disease.
No matter how unique the circumstances of your exposure or even if you don't know how you were exposed, if you have an asbestos-related disease it is likely that you will have some kind of viable claim for compensation.
Proper legal research and advice is critical. The following are all asbestos-related diseases:

Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is an aggressive cancer that forms in the lining of the lungs at any time from 10 to 60 years after first exposure to asbestos. It can also occur in the peritoneum. The average life expectancy following diagnosis with mesothelioma is about 1-2 years although significant variations of malignant mesothelioma do occur.

Mesothelioma develops from the mesothelial cells of the pleura. It is much more common amongst men then in women. In most instances malignant mesothelioma develops after anywhere from 20-50 years after asbestos exposure.

Mesothelioma is curable but this is very unlikely. It can be combated by surgery, chemotherapy or radiotherapy and much like other cancers, the later it is diagnosed, the harder it is to fight.

Lung cancer
There are about six different forms of lung cancer. All of them can be caused by exposure to asbestos, one of the most malignant being mesothelioma. Most lung cancer sufferers who were exposed to asbestos also smoked.

If you smoked it is important to be aware that the fact that smoking contributed to your cancer does not prevent you from bringing a claim in relation to your asbestos exposure. In many cases, it is the combination of smoking and asbestos exposure that is the cause of lung cancer. So, even if smoking is a cause of your lung cancer, you may still have an asbestos claim.

Asbestosis
Asbestosis unlike mesothelioma is not a cancer. It is a slow onset progressive disease that affects breathing by hardening and scarring the lung, which can be severely debilitating. Sufferers of asbestosis also run the risk of getting asbestos-related cancer such as mesothelioma.

Pleural disease
Unlike mesothelioma, pleural disease is not a cancer. It is a slow onset progressive disease that can result in pain and breathlessness when the lining of the lungs hardens and constricts, similar to asbestosis. This inhibits the capacity of the lungs to expand and contract and can affect people for many years.

Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques are not cancer. They are markings on the lining of the lung that indicate past exposure to asbestos. Pleural plaques can calcify or harden. Depending on their position and how extensive they are, pleural plaques can cause some pain and lung restriction. However usually pleural plaques are not disabling.

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Have you or a member of your family received a diagnosis of mesothelioma?
You are likely to want information about what help is available and we will be able to provide you and your family with Mesothelioma legal advice and explanations to the many legal and medical questions you are likely to have.
If you think you have a case, or require further legal advice or assistance, why not call our freephone helpline on 0800 019 1297 or fill in the brief industrial disease claim form.
Click to view Fentons Solicitors recent Mesothelioma case studies.
Mesothelioma is the cancer virtually always caused by earlier exposure to asbestos (some 15 - 40 years ago). It can be caused by pretty small doses of asbestos and so an idea of your contact with it is a good start. But even if you can't remember it is still important for you to seek legal advice from us straight away. Some people prefer a spouse or family member to speak on your behalf and this is quite common.

How can we help?
If you have just been diagnosed with mesothelioma, we think that it is important for one of our specialist mesothelioma solicitors to come out and see you where ever it is convenient and as soon as possible. This is so that we can discuss the time when you were in contact with asbestos and to take a proper statement from you. If you wish to make an industrial disease compensation claim a Fentons mesothelioma solicitor will be able to handle all aspects of your claim and with our expertise, guide you through not just the compensation process but other processes such as claiming benefits.
We understand that clients have individual needs and by visiting you in your home or somewhere convenient to you we can understand your needs from the start. Because of the serious nature of these cases, your industrial disease claim will have priority and our specialist mesothelioma solicitors will explain to you the special rules of these compensation claims, which are intended to help you.
Mesothelioma compensation is claimed from the insurers of the company who are at fault for allowing you to come into such contact with asbestos. Often these companies ceased to exist a long time ago but compensation would come from the insurers and we have our own database to help trace them as well as contacts who help to find them. By talking to a Mesothelioma solicitor as soon as possible you will increase your chance of securing compensation. This is because compensation is only paid where there is blame for your industrial disease and we can help fight to prove this.
What you can claim for
Compensation awarded to those suffering from mesothelioma represents different elements. Some of these are:

The illness itself
Loss of earnings
Any items you need to purchase as a result of the disease, from aids around the home to different foods to those usually purchased, to mobility aids.
An amount to reflect the care provided by those you know, separate from any fees you may have paid to professionals for this
Any losses to other family members
Travelling expenses to hospital or medical appointments

Many other items can be claimed for but these are just some examples.
Please follow the link for more information about the process of making a claim for an asbestos related industrial disease.
Click to view our Industrial Diseases brochure.
How can Fentons help?
If you think you have a case, or require further legal advice or assistance, why not call our freephone helpline on 0800 019 1297 or fill in the brief industrial disease claim form.

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MESOTHELIOMA CLAIM SOLICITORS

Asbestos related diseases fall into four main categories which are asbestosis, mesothelioma, lung cancer and pleural disease. In all cases the time between exposure to asbestos fibres and the onset of symptoms can be decades and occasionally in excess of 50 years although much shorter periods have been observed particularly in the case of heavy and prolonged asbestos exposure. Almost any degree of exposure, inhalation or ingestion of asbestos fibres carries with it a risk of contracting an asbestos related disease. A lung cancer, asbestosis or mesothelioma claim will be successful if it can be proved that the employer failed to implement a safe system of work thereby placing employees in danger.