ASBESTOS RELATED LUNG CANCER COMPENSATION

Without putting to fine a point on it, lung cancer caused or exacerbated by exposure to asbestos is often ignored or neglected due to the more common, but equally serious conditions of mesothelioma and asbestosis. Whilst mesothelioma is a form of cancer that does affect the mesothelium tissue that lines certain of the organs of the body including the lungs it is not what is normally considered as lung cancer which is the complaint suffered by those who smoke or are exposed to environmental or genetic factors. The fact is that, exposure to asbestos fibres can and does cause asbestos related lung cancer, with the risk being amplified several times in those who also smoke cigarettes. Notwithstanding the issue of smoking also being a cause of lung cancer, those who have been exposed to asbestos, whether or not they also smoke, who subsequently suffer from lung cancer should see a solicitor to consider whether or not that exposure has caused or contributed to the disease.

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Mesothelioma is also a form of lung cancer usually associated with the ingestion into the body by inhalation or swallowing of extremely small asbestos fibres. The fibres precipitate the formation of tumours mainly in the lining of the chest, lung cavity and abdomen known as the mesothelium. Diagnosis of mesothelioma starts with a simple chest examination at which time a doctor looks for signs of fluid, a lump, pain, tenderness or swelling. In the event of any suspicion the patient will be referred to a hospital for diagnostic testing by way of x-rays, CT scan or an MRI scan. A biopsy, which involves removal of a sample of tissue used for examination and testing, will provide final and usually conclusive evidence of the presence or absence of cancer cells. Mesothelioma cases are not always easy to prove which is not helped by the time that passes between exposure and the first symptoms which can be anything between 15 years and 40 years. It is anticipated that new cases will continue to occur until at least 2025. In addition it is not always obvious to those who are affected exactly how they became exposed to asbestos however this mineral was in common usage throughout the building industry until its use was effectively banned in the eighties. There have been cases of secondary exposure where the victim picked up, and inhaled fibres from the clothes of a person who was involved in using asbestos.

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In addition to mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer another serious disease caused as a result of exposure to fibres is asbestosis which is also called diffuse pulmonary fibrosis. Inhaled fibres can lodge in the lungs and chest cavity and cause scarring or thickening of the tissues which subsequently, in severe cases, restricts oxygen capacity. This scarring formation is sometimes called a fibrosis which causes breathlessness, chest pain, chest tightness, coughing and fatigue.

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There has been a connection made between asbestos and lung disease since the 18th century however it was not until 1960 that it was established scientifically and it was to be another 20 years before the full danger of this mineral was identified. Building workers were at greatest risk of asbestosis, mesothelioma and asbestos related lung cancer however other high risk occupations include :-

• steel workers
• demolition workers
• insulators
• boilermakers
• shipbuilders
• maintenance workers
• brake mechanics
• pipe fitters

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

The Limitation Act places a time limit on personal injury claims which must in general either be settled or proceedings must have been issued in a court of law within three years of the event causing injury however there is an exception to this general rule which means that action must be taken within three tears of the actual discovery of mesothelioma or asbestosis caused as a result of the employers negligence which may have been many years ago.

SOLICITORS HELPLINE 0870 174 0140

If you are suffering from asbestos related lung cancer contact us today. Our solicitors will help ensure that you receive the full amount of compensation available to you - they take cases on a risk free no win no fee basis. That means you pay no legal fees. It also means that there are no upfront costs and you do not have to finance the claims process. We provide free legal advice on all matters related to personal injury compensation claims. For a no charge consultation, simply phone our helpline. You are under no obligation to proceed with your claim or utilise our services.