Asbestosis Compensation

Asbestosis Compensation

By Paul Barry

Any type of building built before 2000 has the chance of containing asbestos; if however the asbestos is in good condition you are safe, it is when the fibers of asbestos become airborne then you have to worry; this happens when the asbestos becomes damaged.

Working on or near damaged asbestos-containing materials or breathing in high levels of asbestos fibers, which may be many hundreds of times that of environmental levels could increase your chances of getting an asbestos-related disease.

There are three main diseases caused by asbestos: mesothelioma (which is always fatal), lung cancer (almost always fatal) and asbestosis (not always fatal, but it can be very debilitating).

It is important to remember that an asbestos related disease won’t affect you straight away but you will be later on in life, which is why it is important that you protect yourself now against the damage caused by asbestos.

Some examples of the types of occupations that are most at risk from an asbestos related illness are as follows:

• Heating and ventilation engineers’
• Demolition workers
• Carpenters and joiners
• Construction workers
• Electricians

If you are informed by your doctor or consultant that you have an asbestos related illness then it is important that you obtain specialist legal advice as soon as possible as you may be entitled to make a claim compensation for any asbestos related illness. You will be able to make a claim for compensation if your employer failed in their duty of care to protect you against the harmful effects of asbestos. Your employer should find out if you are working with or near asbestos and if you are they should make sure that you receive the correct training and that you are properly supervised. You should also be provided with the correct equipment and safety wear.

Normally the time limit for making a compensation claim is three years but in the case of asbestos this three-year time limit starts from when you are diagnosed with an asbestos related illness.

If you do decide to pursue a compensation claim following an asbestos related illness then you will need to enlist the help of a personal injury specialist, who will be able to guide you through everything you need to know and do in order to give yourself the best chance of winning your compensation claim.