Mesothelioma from Asbestos Claims Glagsow
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that is most commonly contracted by people who have been exposed to asbestos at work. There are two kinds of mesothelioma: in the covering of the lung (pleural mesothelioma) and in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma). If you or a loved one has developed the condition, speak to our solicitors for advice on making a claim on 01418 465 957.
Pleural mesothelioma accounts for around 75% of mesothelioma and this can occur as a result of breathing asbestos into the lungs. Peritoneal mesothelioma is also connected to asbestos and grows in the abdominal cavity. It is unusual for this cancer to spread to other parts of the body. Mesothelioma in the abdomen is thought to be caused by swallowing coughed up mucus that contains asbestos.
Although this is a rare type of cancer, the numbers of people being affected in the UK are rising over the years, mostly due to its long latency period, often up to 40 years. If you have been exposed to asbestos in the workplace and have contracted mesothelioma, you may be entitled to make a claim.
In the early stages of mesothelioma there are not many symptoms. As the cancer grows, it may press on another organ or nerve. Sadly, it is an extremely aggressive type of cancer after incubation and usually gives median survival rate of 8 – 14 months.
Major Symptoms
The primary symptoms of pleural mesothelioma are:
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Cough
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- Difficulty swallowing
- A hoarse voice
The main symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma are:
- Pain and swelling in the abdomen
- Nausea
- Loss of weight and appetite
- Diarrhoea or constipation
These symptoms are not unique to this condition and it is advisable to seek medical advice.
Workers at Risk of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma cases are much more frequent in men than women and this is likely to be a result of the connection to asbestos. Asbestos is an insulating material that was widely used in many industries. Asbestos is composed of tiny fibres that can be breathed into the lungs. The fibres cause an irritation in the lungs that can lead to the cells becoming cancerous. The connection between asbestos and lung disease has been known since the 19th century but the link was only discovered in the 1960s. The UK banned the use of all kinds of asbestos in 1999.
Studies have identified metal plate workers and carpenters as groups at particular risk of developing mesothelioma. Plumbers are also at risk due to routinely drilling through walls to get access to pipes or lay new piping. Walls were often insulated with asbestos and this dust would be breathed in. Boilermakers and laggers also were exposed to a lot of asbestos due to the industry practice of insulating boilers with asbestos lagging. Asbestos cement board was regularly used in flooring, roofing and construction. When this was sawn, it would create asbestos dust that could be breathed in by roofers, builders and carpet fitters.
It is estimated that as many as 1 in every 17 men born in the 1940s and employed in carpentry in for more than 10 years will go on to contract mesothelioma. This type of cancer may not develop until 15 to 60 years after first exposure to asbestos and the more exposure a person has, the more likely they are to develop the condition.
Although very few women were employed in the industries associated with mesothelioma, it is possible for them to have gained exposure through fibres carried home on a male employee’s clothes or by living close to a shipyard, power plant or a construction site. Many women will have been exposed to asbestos by working in a factory. The widespread use of asbestos means that mesothelioma is not limited to industry workers.
How Much Can I Claim for Contracting Mesothelioma?
How much compensation you can claim will very much depend upon your particular circumstances. Being a condition that develops over an extended period and symptoms may not appear for many years after the worker came into contact with asbestos, a claim will need to be brought within 3 years of diagnosis of mesothelioma. Get in touch with us today and our expert team will advise you on whether you can make a claim.
Contact Our Glasgow Solicitors to make a Claim
Mesothelioma is a devastating condition. We operate on a no win no fee* basis that removes the risk of incurring legal fees. Please contact us today to find out how we can help you secure the compensation you deserve. Call us on 01418 465 957. You can also make an online enquiry by completing our claim form.