asbestos claims
Of the many injuries and work related
diseases, mesothelioma is perhaps the one that draws much attention. Every
other day a case is reported or a compensation claim is filed. Mesothelioma is
a cancer that is almost always caused by earlier exposure to asbestos,
approximately in ninety percent of cases.
People normally working in industries
where asbestos was used extensively, such as construction work, plumbing, ship
yards, old houses and at power stations, were more likely to have been exposed
to breathing in asbestos fibrous materials often over a period of years and
thus are more likely to suffer from either asbestosis or mesothelioma among
others.
In the United Kingdom alone almost 2300
people a year are diagnosed with mesothelioma. At least 3,500 people in Great Britain
die every year from asbestos related lung cancer and mesothelioma as a result
of past exposure to asbestos fibers.
Types of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease
that affects the Mesothelium, which is a thin membrane that covers the lungs or
the lining of the abdomen. There are two main types of mesothelioma.
1. Peritoneal
(if present in abdomen)
2. Pleural (if
present in the chest wall)
Pleural Mesothelioma is more common
than peritoneal mesothelioma. Asbestos exposure is the primary cause of
mesothelioma. Asbestos fibers are microscopic and once swallowed or breathed in
tend to stay in human body. With time they undergo changes and start damaging
the body. Thus mesothelioma does not appear suddenly but takes several years
before the symptoms start becoming evident.asbestos claims
Mesothelioma is often confused with
asbestosis. Asbestosis is also a disease of the lungs that is caused by again
the presence of deadly asbestos fibres but it is not cancerous and thus can be
treated more effectively if diagnosed at an early stage.asbestos claims
Symptoms of Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma symptoms are difficult to
spot as they are very comparable to pneumonia. It is important for a doctor to
ask a patient if he has a history of being exposed to asbestos related
materials. Early diagnosis can prolong life and improve the chances of
survival. The main symptoms of mesothelioma are:
• Shortness of
breath, especially during excercise
• Coughing
• Chest pain
• Weakness
• A feeling of
tightness in the chest.
Other symptoms that sometimes occur
are vomiting, nausea, nail abnormalities, constipation or diarrhea and clubbing
of the fingers.asbestos claims
After Diagnosis
The occurrence of mesothelioma is
constantly increasing and is expected to surge in the next 15 years. Once the
diagnosis is confirm the doctor will decide to start treatment. The main
treatment used in asbestosis is oxygen therapy but surgery, radiation therapy
and chemotherapy are also used to increase the life span of the patient. The
survival from mesothelioma is improving but is still not very promising and
varies by area of diagnosis.
Asbestos Compensation Claim
Once a patient has been properly
diagnosed and have started treatment he will need specialist care and support.
The family should look for the services of a solicitor who specializes in these
cases. The matter should be investigated and the responsible party should be
held accountable. If needed an asbestos compensation claim should be filed so
as to provide monetary help to the suffering family who have to struggle with
pain, bills and loss of wages.
Sabeen Nadeem writes about legal and
financial matters. She is currently working for Peregrine Claims which offers
personal injury compensation services in UK. They have experienced and
competent Asbestos Compensation Claims Solicitors and Slips and Trips Experts
in UK.
asbestos claims