Despite the discovery of the dangers of asbestos exposure occurring many years ago, there are unfortunately still a number of cases being reported in the media. In particularly tragic cases, this exposure to the dangerous dust of asbestos can lead to the development of mesothelioma.
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What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma affects the layer of tissue that covers the majority of the internal organs and is a particularly deadly form of cancer. Mesothelioma is more common in males than in females, and more than 80% of cases are caused by exposure to asbestos. The disease was generally unheard of until asbestos came to be more commonly used in building works. Inhaling the dust of disintegrated asbestos can cause a number of other health problems, such as:
- Lung cancer
- Rounded atelectasis
- Pleural Plaques
- Malignant mesothelioma
- Diffuse pleural thickening
- Asbestosis (pulmonary fibrosis due to asbestos)
What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?
Some of the symptoms of mesothelioma can include:
- Extreme tiredness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest wall pain
- Fluid surrounding the lung
- Coughing up blood
- Wheezing, hoarseness, or a cough
In particularly severe cases, either of the lungs may collapse.
Mesothelioma can also have an impact on other areas of the body, particularly the abdomen. Affects can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Problems with bowel function
- Abnormal build-up of fluid in the abdomen
- A mass in the abdomen
Other symptoms in other parts of the body can include:
- A severe cough
- Shortness of breath when you are lying down
- Substernal chest pain (pain around the top of the chest)
When mesothelioma is at the most severe stage, sufferers of the disease can also have:
- Low blood sugar
- Pleural effusion
- Severe ascites
- Jaundice – yellowing of the eyes and skin
- Blood clots in the veins
In very rare cases, mesothelioma is known to damage the heart and can cause heart failure or a pulmonary embolism.
Can those that have been affected claim mesothelioma compensation?
You can claim mesothelioma compensation if you have been exposed to asbestos and later developed the condition because of failings on the part of your employer and their lack of safety regulations. If you have worked in an industry such as building or construction, particularly in the 1970s-90s, then it is more likely that you may have developed mesothelioma.
There is also a process for family members being able to claim compensation after the death of one of their loved ones due to mesothelioma. It is harder to gather evidence for these cases and they can therefore be more complicated, but it is not impossible with the help of specialist and experienced lawyers. Compensation for the family members who have been left behind is achievable with the right legal help for asbestos claims.
Time limits for claiming mesothelioma compensation
There are two different time limits for claiming compensation. A sufferer who is still alive has three years from the date of their original diagnosis to make a claim. Provided that the asbestos victim was still within that three-year limit when they died, there is then a further three years from the date of death that a loved one can make a claim in their name. Compensation obviously won’t bring the loved one back, but it can help with any financial matters that are left and will need sorting out after they have passed away. Claiming mesothelioma compensation for family members can offer you the financial support that you need.