• Mesothelioma - an incurable disease which is fatal. It can take several decades to develop following inhaling of asbestos dust and were common in the construction and shipbuilding industries.
• Asbestosis - term given to scarring of the lungs from heavy exposure to asbestos dust. Asbestosis makes it difficult for the sufferer to breathe as the lungs do not work efficiently.
• Pleural Thickening - the disease is caused as a result of exposure to asbestos and takes several decades to develop. Symptoms can include shortness of breath and tightness around the chest.
• Lung Cancers - heavy prolonged exposure to asbestos dust. The symptoms may include, shortness of breath, a prolonged cough, weight loss. Not all lung cancers are caused by exposure to asbestos as there will be other factors such as smoking that may be the underlying cause.

Asbestos was originally used by many industries to insulate pipes, boilers, tanks and cement. Asbestos fibres are not visible to the eye however when inhaled or ingested the tiny indestructible fibres lodge inside the body and cannot be removed. These particles remain latent in the lungs and the symptoms of asbestosis do not develop for 10 to 20 years.

There is no known 'safe level' of exposure with symptoms becoming worse over time, and common symptoms include shortness of breath and a persistent cough.

It is important to seek medical attention from your GP who will be able to arrange an x-ray, scan and/or biopsy to correctly diagnose your condition.

The use of asbestos has now been banned in the UK, and many of our clients previously worked in industries such as:

• Shipbuilding
• Roofers
• Boilers
• Laggers
• Mechanics

Asbestos fibres do not usually become harmful until they are disturbed. There has been an increase in white collar workers being diagnosed with asbestos related injuries, particularly those that work in offices, hospitals or schools where repairs and building works have taken place and old walls and pipes have been removed.

If you have suffered from asbestos related diseases from a workplace environment, you may be entitled to claim compensation.

Our specialist Industrial Disease Solicitors and Legal Executives have a number of years of experience in successfully dealing with Industrial Disease claims by adopting a no-win, no-fee agreement (known as a conditional fee agreement) and obtaining maximum compensation for victims who have suffered.

We are one of the most experienced departments in North West of England and are experts in this field.

Contact our Industrial Disease Solicitors

If you wish to discuss a potential claim with our specialist solicitors you can email us, use our online enquiry form, or call us for free on 0800 008 7450.