Asbestos and Mesothelioma Compensation Claims
Mesothelioma is an industrial disease; a form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos. Asbestos is a material that was popularly used in the building trade before its dangers, like developing cancer from exposure, were discovered.
Many of the employees who worked in such an environment where asbestos was used did not realise straightaway that they have contracted mesothelioma as the symptoms can take time to appear and if you worked in an environment where asbestos was used, you may wish to get a medical check up.
At the time, its most common uses were electrical and building insulation. Even employees exposed to the smallest amount of asbestos could be at risk of contracting cancer. Those who have contracted mesothelioma, cancer or any other industrial disease, are entitled to make a claim for compensation.
How Much Compensation is Awarded for Contracting Asbestos or Mesothelioma?
Any asbestos or mesothelioma compensation claim would be made against an employer or former employer or more accurately their insurance companies. Even if that company is no longer in existence their former insurance company is still liable to pay compensation. The amount of compensation you can claim will depend on the seriousness of your illness, but will include any loss of earnings, past, present and future medical and care expenses, amendments to the home and so on. A claim for asbestos mesothelioma could exceed £500,000.
Mesothelioma: £35,000 – £83,750
The duration of the pain and suffering, and the life expectancy after diagnosis influence the level of the award in these cases. The court will also consider the remaining lung function and the quality of life.
Lung Cancer: £51,500 – £66,000
The court will consider the same factors as those for Mesothelioma.
Asbestosis: £31,500 – £69,500
While this may be symptomless in the early stages, it can lead to severe symptoms including breathlessness. The current guidelines state that a reduction in respiratory capacity of 10%-20% would attract an award of £46,000
Pleural Thickening: £25,250 – £51,500
Other illnesses: £4,350 – £7,250
In cases where there is no risk of mesothelioma, lung or other cancers, or asbestosis, this will be considered an appropriate award.
If you are diagnosed with mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease then in addition to compensation you can also make a claim for state benefits such as Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB).
Make a Claim for Exposure to Asbestos and Mesothelioma
A relative can make a claim on behalf of someone who has died as a result of asbestos exposure. Any asbestos mesothelioma claim should be made within three years of an employee finding out that he or she has contracted mesothelioma and any claim brought outside of this time could be time barred.
If you would like to make a claim you should speak to our industrial disease personal injury lawyers for Leeds who have experience in dealing with these types of claims. Our lawyers have access to all the right resources, for example, to help trace the liable insurance company. We can help you claim compensation on a no win, no fee* basis, meaning you don’t need to worry about legal bills inhibiting your ability to seek justice.
Contact Our Asbestos Compensation Claims Lawyers for Leeds
If you or a loved one has suffered the exposure to Asbestos and someone else is to blame, contact us today. Call us on 01132 234 466^ You can also contact us online by completing our enquiry form.