Asbestos compensation - The time bomb is still ticking for some workers

Asbestosis has a long gestation period, typically ten to forty years, and as the use of asbestos was still prevalent into the 1970's, the time bomb is still ticking for many people who worked in industries that made use of asbestos and to those who unknowingly disturbed it in later years. Many unfortunate people may still need to make an asbestos compensation claim.

The occurrence of asbestosis in people who worked in ship building and construction has been well documented, but there are many other environments that housed the potentially lethal product and many people were unknowingly exposed; hospital and school workers, telephone engineers, and heating and plumbing operatives, to name but a few.

Such people are still, sadly, awaiting their fate and many companies have already had to make substantial asbestos compensation payments to employees, or their families, who have suffered.

Asbestosis related diseases occur when tiny strands of asbestos are inhaled into the lungs. Once lodged, the particles cause irritation and infection to the lining of the lung (the pleura) and, as the body endeavours to fight the infection, scars form. In people who have been exposed to asbestos this supposed self-healing mechanism, sadly and ironically, can lead to malignant tumours (mesothelioma).

Common symptoms of mesothelioma are chest pain, shortness of breath and a persistent cough. Less usual symptoms include fever, night sweats and loss of weight. If you, or a loved one who perhaps worked in an affected industry, are suffering the symptoms related to asbestosis or mesothelioma the most important thing to do is to be checked by a doctor immediately, as early diagnosis may reduce suffering.

However, in the unfortunate event that a positive diagnosis is made then YouClaim are here to help.

At YouClaim we keep up to date with all current political discussion and legal findings relevant to asbestos claims and asbestos compensation. In March 2008 the effects of asbestosis were discussed at Prime Minister's Questions in the House of Commons when Mr Stephen Hepburn the Labour MP for Jarrow raised the issue of pleural plaque (scarring of the membrane which lines the ribcage) sufferers and their claim for compensation.

Prime Minister Gordon Brown commented, "Asbestosis and mesothelioma are terrible diseases, and all of us who have seen the effects that they cause know that we have to do more to help the victims On pleural plaques, we are looking at the matter at this very moment. We will publish a consultation document very soon."

Mr Hepburn and a group of MPs met with Prime Minister Brown in May 2008 to discuss the plight of pleural plaque sufferers who, at present, are not always eligible for compensation.

Mr Hepburn said, "The PM was passionate about the need to resolve this issue. A ministerial meeting will discuss it in full within days and a consultation will start within a few weeks."

At YouClaim, during your claim for compensation our personal injury claim solicitors keep constant and watchful eye on all legal issues and political debate that might affect your claim.

Above all, we work on a no win, no fee' basis and you will never have to worry about paying any litigation related costs. So if you would like to discuss your asbestos compensation claim with our friendly and knowledgeable team, please call 0800 10 757 95. Alternatively you can fill out the online claim form and we will call you back at a time to suit you.