We can help you claim
compensation following an accident
illness or injury - nationwide
Call: 0800 10 757 95
Asbestosis is not the same as mesothelioma. Some writers on the subject use the terms interchangeably, but lung cancer, mesothelioma and pleural plaques are all specific diseases, with differing causal elements, symptoms and prognoses.
There are several asbestos-related diseases which can be suffered by anyone who has been exposed to the deadly natural mineral fibres, but asbestosis is specifically a chronic lung condition which causes shortness of breath.
It is caused by inhalation of asbestos dust or fibres.
Usually, when foreign bodies are inhaled, such as pollen, dust or metal particles, they will be broken down by cells known as macrophages before actually infiltrating lung tissue.
When asbestos enters the lungs macrophages will attempt to break the fibres down by releasing special substances. Unfortunately, these substances are unable to dispel asbestos particles and eventually damage the lung's small air sacs known as alveoli. The sacs become scarred and this is known as fibrosis.
During breath inhalation alveoli aid the transference of oxygen from the lungs into the blood stream and during exhalation, they transfer carbon dioxide from the blood so that it can be expelled out through the mouth.
Once the alveoli become damaged with fibrosis they become less able to cope with the process of respiration, which quickly becomes compromised, and results in breathlessness, chest pain and a cough.
Although a diagnosis of asbestosis does not mean the patient has an asbestos-related cancer, asbestosis sufferers are at a much greater risk of developing mesothelioma and asbestos lung cancer.
The most severe cases of asbestosis put the patient's health under significant strain and are likely to shorten life expectancy.
Claiming asbestosis compensation from an employer
If you have been given a clinical diagnosis of asbestosis and you believe it is resultant due to exposure which could have been prevented, you may be entitled to claim 100% compensation for damages from your employer or even a former employer.
YouClaim's specialist personal injury solicitors are adept at tracking down employer's liability insurers – the people responsible for paying a compensation claim – even if the company has ceased trading. So whether you were exposed to asbestos a year ago, ten years ago or even three decades ago it is possible to find those responsible and make a claim for asbestosis compensation.
Our no win, no fee compensation service guarantees you the peace of mind that we never apply charges or costs to your case and if your claim is successful, you will receive 100% compensation, as we never take a cut.
If you wish to talk to one of friendly yet knowledgeable legal advisors, call our freephone line on 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively you can contact us via e-chat, or by filling in an online claim form.
