What are Asbestos Related Diseases?

Several diseases and conditions come under the term Asbestos Related Diseases. At present the Benefits Agency considers the following as asbestos-induced illnesses; asbestosis, bilateral diffuse pleural thickening, lung cancer (when accompanied by one of the first two conditions), and mesothelioma.

What causes Asbestos Related Diseases?

Exposure to asbestos and the inhalation of the asbestos fibres is responsible for the development of illnesses like asbestosis and pleural thickening. Those employed in heavy industry, such as shipbuilding and construction are more likely to have been exposed to dangerous quantities of asbestos and are more likely to suffer from one of the related conditions. However, anyone working in public buildings, schools or hospitals can be at risk of asbestos related diseases, in circumstances where asbestos was used in the construction of the building. Family members of those employed in heavy industry, may also have been exposed to asbestos fibres trapped in clothing and are similarly prone to asbestos-induced illnesses.

What are the signs of Asbestos Related Diseases?

The signs of asbestos related diseases can vary widely, depending on the specific disease. However, as asbestos related diseases affect the lungs, a cough is the most common symptom. In most cases, symptoms may not appear until years after you have been exposed to asbestos. If you are experiencing symptoms such as coughing, shortness of breath, chest pain, tiredness or unexplained weight loss, you should consult your doctor immediately.

How can Beecham Peacock help?

Beecham Peacock are experienced personal injury solicitors and provide legal expertise in asbestos related claims. Though no amount of money can compensate for the damage that has been done to your health, securing compensation will ensure that you and your family are financially secure, and will help to cover the cost of your future medical care.

Why choose Beecham Peacock?

Beecham Peacock has helped individuals with asbestos related diseases for many years and this experience can be used to help you secure your own claim for financial compensation. The North East’s heritage of heavy industry, such as ship building, textiles and construction, means that it has a high population of people who have been exposed to asbestos. As a result, our solicitors have extensive experience of dealing with claims of this nature and are well-versed in helping you get the compensation you deserve.

Asbestos Claims | Beecham Peacock Newcastle

Asbestos Related Diseases
Newcastle’s heritage of heavy industry is responsible for a high incidence of asbestos related diseases and illness. But it is not just heavy industry where asbestos has been a killer; working in public buildings, schools and even hospitals can put you at risk.

The importing of asbestos has been banned in the UK since its extensive use in the construction and building industries throughout the 1950’s and 60’s, but symptoms can take as long as 60 years to develop after initial contact.

Pleural plaques are the most common form of asbestos related abnormalities causing small scars to form on the outer lining of the lung which develop 10 to 15 years after exposure. Pleural plaques cause no long term complications and are now NOT considered for compensation.

Pleural thickening causes progressive scarring and thickening of the outer lining of the lungs which makes physical exertion increasingly difficult. There is no cure for this condition but fortunately it is quite rare.

Asbestosis is a condition affecting those who have been exposed to asbestos for a long period of time causing scarring of the lungs. It can progress over the years and increases the chances of developing lung cancer and of developing Mesothelioma. Lung cancer can be caused by exposure to significant quantities of asbestos, however it can be difficult to prove because there are other causes such as swallowing. Mesothelioma is a fatal form of cancer for which there is no cure, it is caused by exposure to even small amounts of asbestos.

It is therefore important that patients and their loved ones get the correct advice and support required on the legal aspects of asbestos conditions and their rights to compensation.

Why Beecham Peacock?

For almost 70 years Beecham Peacock LLP has had a dedicated team of personal injury professionals with specialised expertise when it comes to dealing with asbestos related diseases.

While we appreciate that no amount of money will compensate for the damage to your health and wellbeing, our team will ensure that patients and their families are given justice and remain financially secure, helping to cover the cost of past and future medical care.

Our team are trusted by some of the largest trade unions in the country and work closely with asbestos support groups to provide the best results for families affected by asbestos diseases, never working for employers or insurance companies.

The North East has a heritage of ship building, textiles and construction and has seen a rise in the number of cases for Asbestosis and Mesothelioma in recent years. Beecham Peacock solicitors have extensive experience of dealing with claims as a result of asbestos exposure, we also have a formidable reputation in handling clients with care and empathy to win the compensation they deserve.

Download our Asbestos Related Diseases brochure

Making a compensation claim

Is my employer or ex-employer liable?

The answer is yes – employers are responsible for maintaining a safe working environment and must protect their employees from exposure and inhalation of asbestos.

Even if you are no longer employed by the company, compensation can still be claimed to make up for the suffering of you and your family, and in cases where the employer no longer exists, a case can be made by tracing their insurer.

How will I pay for it?

Trade unions may cover the costs through the legal assistance system if you are a member, but in the first instance, our advice and assessment process is free with a number of financial options available to pursue the claim such as ‘no win, no fee’. Claiming compensation can be a legal maze, so it is important to choose a solicitor who specialises in asbestos claims.

If your case is successful, we seek to recover the legal costs from your opponents; if you lose, we will not charge you.

Where were you exposed to asbestos?

Symptoms of mesothelioma and asbestos related illnesses can take a number of years to appear following exposure. Common roles at risk include:

Joiners
Carpenters

Builders
Boilermakers

Plumbers
Electricians

Although Beecham Peacock personal injury lawyers are available to look into all employment where you believe you were exposed.

Is there a time frame on pursuing an asbestos claim?

As standard, a claim for compensation against an employer should be made within three years of diagnosis. It is important to start the claim as soon as possible to adhere to the time frames and get a quicker award.

How long does it take to settle a case?

Cases vary in length considerably, depending on the severity of the illness and the conditions involved. They can take anything from a few months to a few years, but our expert team of asbestos solicitors are on hand throughout for advice and support and promise to resolve the case as soon as possible with the best result.

How much will you be awarded?

The amount you will be rewarded in a personal injury claim against an employer will mainly depend on the severity of the asbestos related disease taking into account factors such as:

Pain and suffering
Care costs

Financial loss

Disability

Our team have a track record of obtaining the maximum award possible to cover past and future losses and to ensure our clients and their families have some financial security going forward.