Could You Claim Asbestos Compensation?

If you have been exposed to asbestos, and are suffering ill health because of it, then you may be entitled to asbestos compensation.

Here's what you need to know about asbestos, and claiming asbestos compensation.

1. Asbestos was used in buildings, both commercial and domestic from around 1900 to the1970s. As well as those who worked directly with it, people who factories, those who washed workers' clothes, those who lived near factories producing it, might be affected. In addition, craftspeople, such as electricians, carpenters, painters and decorators might be affected too.

2. Asbestosis is a respiratory illness, caused by exposure to asbestos that damages the lungs. Although the symptoms can be very similar to, and often attributed to smoking related illnesses, or just signs of old age, it could be an asbestos disease that is causing you so much pain.

3. The affects of asbestos often take around 15 to 20 years to become apparent, so it's not obviously asbestos that is causing your condition. If you have been retired for 20 years, then you might think that struggling to climb the stairs, and generally feeling unwell, is all part of getting old, rather than all due to asbestos.

4. Unlike most items and foreign bodies that are breathed in, asbestos can't be broken down easily by the body. In the process of trying to break down the asbestos, the lungs become damaged.

5. The early symptoms of asbestosis, or an asbestos related disease, include generally feeling unwell, being out of breath and having a cough that you just can't seem to shift. These symptoms can also be attributed to many conditions, and you might think nothing of them, nor bother going to see the doctor, but it could be first signs of asbestosis.

6. Over a period of time, asbestosis develops to include chest pains, and your fingers might start to deform because as oxygen isn't being exchanged properly in the blood. If you notice these symptoms, then it's definitely time to seek medical advice.

7. During the later stages, you're likely to have constant chest pain, and so problems sleeping because of the pain. Your hands and feet will probably start to swell, and you might start to cough up blood. You might attribute these symptoms to smoking.

8. Asbestos related diseases can be controlled, but the earlier the symptoms are discovered, the better. If you're anxious about any of these symptoms, and have worked in an environment where asbestos was used, then it's better to seek medical advice sooner rather than later.

9. Asbestos related diseases can lead to mesothelioma and cancer, and so you'll want to ensure that this doesn't happen.

10. Compensation can be claimed for asbestos related conditions, but it isn't easy to claim for, as it can be hard to prove which company is to blame for your condition. By talking to an experienced asbestos compensation solicitor, you'll be able to find out whether you have a case, and what sort of compensation you could be entitled to.

Now you know more about it, and what symptoms to look out for, you'll be able to seek the right medical and legal advice and see whether you're entitled to asbestos compensation.

M James M James , 29 May 2010

If you want to know if you could be entitled to Asbestos Compensation, then why not speak to Fentons Solicitors? With plenty of experience with asbestos-related cases, you'll find out if you're entitled to asbestos compensation. As well as asbestos-related claims, Fentons are also experienced Accident At Work solicitors. So if you want to know whether you're entitled to compensation, why not speak to Fentons? Find out more, by visiting Fentons.co.uk today.