18 March 2022
There are several different asbestos-related diseases. It is important to know which disease you are diagnosed with as they can vary in relation to the impact they can have on your health.
It can also affect whether you are entitled to industrial injury benefits and/or a claim for compensation.
Mesothelioma
This is a type of cancer that mainly develops in the lining of the lungs and is usually linked to asbestos exposure. Unfortunately, it is rarely possible to cure mesothelioma although treatment can help control the symptoms.
If you have mesothelioma, you may be able to make a claim for a lump sum payment from the Government and an Industrial Injuries Benefit. You may also be able to make a claim for compensation.
Diffuse Pleural Thickening
This is the thickening of the lining of the lungs, the pleura, which is a thin membrane that covers the rib cage. In most cases, it has little or no impact on a person’s life span. It usually progresses slowly but there is no way to predict how it will progress.
If your pleural thickening is diagnosed as severe, you may be entitled to a claim for an Industrial Injuries Benefit. You may also be able to make a claim for compensation.
Asbestosis
This is a serious lung condition caused by long-term exposure to asbestos. It is a condition that develops slowly after long-term exposure to asbestos fibres. There is no cure for asbestosis as it is not possible to reverse the damage to the lungs, although there are some treatments.
If you have asbestosis, you may be able to make a claim for an Industrial Injuries Benefit. You may also be able to make a claim for compensation.
Lung Cancer
Exposure to asbestos can increase the risk of developing lung cancer, however, three are many other causes of lung cancer.
Usually, to make a claim for an Industrial Injuries Benefit you would have to also have asbestosis. If you have lung cancer but no signs of asbestosis, whether you can make a claim for an Industrial Injuries Benefit or a claim for compensation will depend on the type of work you have done and how long for.
Pleural Plaques
This is localised areas of thickening caused by asbestos fibres. Pleural plaques usually do not require treatment and most patients with pleural plaques do not experience loss of lung function.
You cannot claim benefits or compensation for having pleural plaques if your only exposure to asbestos was in England.
If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with an asbestos-related illness, then you could be entitled to compensation or financial support. Contact our experts free on 01482 323697 to discuss with our specialist team whether you have a claim and/or are entitled to financial support.
