Mesothelioma claims
First4Lawyers can handle the legal aspects of an industrial disease mesothelioma compensation claim for you.
What causes mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer usually associated with exposure to asbestos at work. Most cases develop in the lungs (pleural mesothelioma), due to inhalation of the asbestos fibres, but it can also occur in the abdomen (peritoneal mesothelioma).
The mesothelial cells, which cover the outer layer of most internal organs, mutate and become cancerous. In instances of pleural mesothelioma, there is a chance the cancer can spread to the heart.
Mesothelioma cancer symptoms
Symptoms of this form of asbestos cancer can take 20 to 50 years to develop. Because the condition can take such a long time to appear, it’s possible to claim compensation many years after being exposed to asbestos.
Pleural mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the lungs) symptoms can include:
- Pain in the side of the chest or lower back
- Shortness of breath
- Cough
- Fever
- Excessive sweating
- Fatigue
- Unexpected weight loss
- Trouble swallowing (feeling like food gets stuck)
- Hoarseness
- Swelling of the face and arms
Symptoms of peritoneal mesothelioma (mesothelioma of the abdomen) can include:
- Abdominal pain
- Swelling or fluid in the abdomen
- Unexpected weight loss
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
Diagnosing mesothelioma involves X-rays and CT scans – although diagnosis can prove difficult as some of the symptoms are similar to many other illnesses.
Who is at risk of mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is usually thought of as an industrial disease, as it has a history of being used in industry. However, there have been cases where asbestos fibres have been spread to family members, through exposure to the fibres on workers’ clothes.
Asbestos also used to be used as an insulator within buildings, which has meant offices, homes and schools carry a risk of containing it. Asbestos should always be disposed of by specialist firms because of the serious health risks.
Professions at high risk of asbestos exposure include:
- Building or construction workers
- Miners
- Industrial and factory workers
- Firefighters
- Power plant workers
- Ship builders
- Auto mechanics and car manufacture
- Textile workers
Why claim industrial disease compensation for mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a debilitating disease and it’s important that you get all the help you deserve, including financial security to improve your quality of life. The claim is made against your employer’s insurers for allowing asbestos exposure during your work.
Find out more about making a claim
Taking time off work, or even giving up work altogether, and paying for medical bills and ongoing treatment is a stress you could do without at this time. A mesothelioma compensation settlement can help pay for:
- Specialist private medical treatment
- Loss of earnings
- Expenses (such as travel to hospital)
- Ongoing care needs
- Adaptations to the home, or any specialist equipment or aids
How can First4Lawyers help?
Using our specialist solicitors means we can talk you through your options and help you build a case for mesothelioma compensation with an expert in industrial disease law. Our advisors will listen to your circumstances, free of charge, then assess whether you are likely to have a claim.
If your condition is a result of industrial illness, we often find the company no longer exists due to the time that’s elapsed. However, the claim would be made against the insurer, which is something we can also help with.
If you’re happy to proceed, we allocate a specialist industrial illness solicitor to deal with your claim. We offer a No Win No Fee service (also called a conditional fee agreement), so you don't have to pay for anything in advance – and if the claim is not successful, you don't pay at all.
Only pay a fee if you receive compensation
Our No Win No Fee solicitors will take a success fee from the compensation you are awarded for a successful claim in the form of a percentage of your damages. This could be up to 25% but it won't be more than that, except in cases of road traffic accidents. Changing laws mean our solicitors will now take a payment of 35% of the final compensation amount plus VAT for all road traffic accident claims.
First4Lawyers are an award-winning claims management company with a track record of delivering service that our clients love.
How much compensation will I receive for a mesothelioma claim?
The average settlement for mesothelioma claims will depend on factors such as pain levels, impairment, function and quality of life. It also depends whether your condition is pleural mesothelioma or peritoneal mesothelioma.
Claims for mesothelioma are usually awarded between £61,410 and £110,380. Make sure to check our Compensation Calculator you’re suffering from a different respiratory disease and you want to see how much you could claim. Or feel free to contact us and we’ll talk you through it.
If an employer’s insurer can’t be traced, there are Government compensation and benefits schemes available, such as the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme (DMPS). You can find out more on the National Asbestos Helpline website.
Is there a time limit for making a mesothelioma claim?
Injury and accident victims generally have three years to claim, but because mesothelioma symptoms and diagnosis may take years, it’s possible to make an industrial illness claim many years after being exposed to asbestos.
I think I have a claim – what should I do?
Our advisers will be able to take you through the options, based on your individual circumstances and with no obligation. Just give us a call, request a call back or start your claim online.
