Defining Asbestos Diseases In Detail

Asbestosis

Asbestosis or fibrosis of the lungs damages fibrous tissue in the lungs. Other illnesses can lead to fibrosis, but where there has been exposure to asbestos, that is the likely cause. Asbestosis is a usually progressive disease, causing acute breathlessness and a nasty cough. Asbestosis is a marker for the progression of lung cancer and mesothelioma.

Pleural Fibrosis / Pleural Thickening

This condition, medically known as fibrosis, affects the pleura, the outer lining of the lung. It occurs when fibrous damage is caused to the pleura, which subsequently thickens. Although fibrosis can result from tuberculosis or similar infections, if the patient has been exposed to asbestos in the past it is the more likely cause. Pleural fibrosis is more extensive than pleural plaques and can be seen clearly on x-rays. Pleural fibrosis is also more debilitating as it restricts the function of the lungs which causes breathlessness. This condition can reduce life expectancy.

Lung Cancer

Exposure to significant amounts of asbestos creates a risk of developing lung cancer. The risk of lung cancer greatly increases if the patient is a regular smoker.

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a malignant tumour of the pleura, but can also be found in the lining of the abdominal cavity or heart. Virtually all cases of mesothelioma are linked with asbestos exposure. Symptoms of mesothelioma are: shortness of breath, pain in the lower back or side of the chest, coughing, and weight loss. Mesothelioma is the most insidious of the asbestos-related diseases in that it can affect people who have experienced low or intermittent levels of asbestos exposure.

Our expertise can save you time and stress

With many years of experience in dealing with asbestos related compensation claims, we understand the legal issues but more importantly the human issues involved in making a claim for compensation. We work with fully qualified, specialist occupational disease solicitors across the UK that have years of experience in dealing with asbestos related claims. We believe that is it a clients right as an accident victim to be dealt with by honest and trustworthy professionals that know the inside out so that your claim for compensation runs as smoothly as possible.

Make your claim

If you were exposed to asbestos and suffer from a related illness as result, you may be entitled to claim compensation for your injuries. If you wish to obtain an obligation free opinion on your asbestos claim then please contact us on 020 7836 5999 or complete the online enquiry form to submit brief details about your circumstances. All information will be treated in the strictest confidence.