Asbestosis and Asbestos Related Diseases

A number of diseases are associated with people that have come into contact with asbestos in the past. While some may occur fairly soon after contact, others can take twenty years or more to develop and this not only makes it a challenge to diagnose some of the illnesses but it also means that claiming money back from an employer or their insurance company can prove difficult. Our lawyers are experienced in dealing with asbestosis and asbestos related claims so contact us today for advice on how best to proceed.

Asbestosis

Asbestosis is caused by breathing in asbestos fibres. These irritate the lungs and can cause scarring and thickening and is typically contracted by those that spent a lot of time around large quantities of asbestos. The disease will usually only become evident 20 years or more after coming into contact with the material. Symptoms include difficulties breathing and asbestosis is usually detected using chest x-ray, CT scan, and specific lung tests. While asbestosis can get progressively worse it is not usually terminal.

Lung Cancer

Lung cancer is most common in those that have come into contact with asbestos and that were also smokers at the time of contact. Unlike asbestosis, lung cancer is typically fatal.

It is necessary to prove that contact with asbestos was at least partially to blame for contracting lung cancer. If this is possible then you should have a case to claim compensation for asbestos related lung cancer.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a well-known, asbestos related disease. It is a tumour that normally forms in the lining of the lungs and will prove fatal. The only cause of mesothelioma is contact with asbestos fibre and it can develop even if you only had occasional or light contact with the material.

It is a serious disease and first detected with x-ray and CAT scans before being confirmed with a biopsy and other tests. There is no cure for the disease, which may surface 10 to 50 years after coming into contact with asbestos.

Diffuse Pleural Thickening

Asbestos fibres can leave scarring on the lining of the lungs and when a lot of scarring occurs this is called diffuse pleural thickening. It is not usually fatal but symptoms include a shortness of breath and it is detected using x-ray and lung tests.

Pleural Plaques

Pleural plaques are the least dangerous of the asbestos related diseases but they can prove that you have come into contact with the fibres. Symptoms are uncommon and plaques do not cause any undue harm to the lungs.

However, it is common for people to worry and suffer considerable anxiety that they may be diagnosed with the more dangerous forms of asbestos related illness if pleural plaques are discovered.

Stockslegal Asbestosis Claims

Stockslegal is a professional personal injury claims service. Whether you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, mesothelioma, or any other asbestos related condition, we can help submit and proceed with your claim. Contact us today on 0800 988 9055 to discuss your condition with one of our professional advisers.