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29th March 2010

Mesothelioma cuts life expectancy by over 30 years

Still only in his 50’s, this client asked for our asbestos-related compensation claim advice when he was diagnosed with the fatal disease, mesothelioma. As with all victims of mesothelioma, the prognosis means that our client was expected to have only a matter of months to live once the diagnosis had been confirmed.

Our specialist mesothelioma lawyer knew that it was vital that this claim for compensation was dealt with speedily and efficiently so that his client would receive the compensation to which he was entitled within his lifetime.

It was also important to our client that he knew his wife would be financially secure after his death, particularly as it was estimated that his life had been cut short by over 30 years, leaving her without his support and companionship in the latter years of her life.

Mesothelioma compensation awarded within client’s lifetime

Our specialist mesothelioma lawyer was firstly able to secure a substantial payment through the Pneumoconiosis etc (Workers Compensation) Act 1979 and then to bring this compensation claim to a successful conclusion. He used his experience in dealing with negligent employers and their insurers to negotiate a substantial six-figure sum within the lifetime of his client.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

Our client first became concerned about his health when he began to feel breathless during normal exertion. He developed a cough and chest pain, and gradually began to feel increasingly unwell. Following a visit to his GP, he was referred to hospital for a CT scan. The results led to a CT guided biopsy, which confirmed the diagnosis of mesothelioma.

Although he underwent a course of chemotherapy, this in itself caused painful and debilitating side effects such as nausea, and increased lethargy.

Sadly, despite this treatment, our client’s health will inevitably continue to deteriorate, and he will suffer increasing breathlessness, weight loss, pain and disability.

Joiner’s exposure to asbestos

Serving his apprenticeship as a joiner, our client had been exposed to asbestos almost from the time he left school. During the latter years of his apprenticeship, he was engaged on shipbuilding where he worked in areas adjacent to other trades who were cutting and installing asbestos sheets. Although others were provided with overalls and masks, he and his colleagues were not, even though they worked in areas heavily contaminated with the asbestos dust.

Employers ignored known dangers of asbestos

Our client was never advised of the dangers of inhaling asbestos so had no understanding of the risks to his health.

At no time was he given any warning of the known dangers of developing an asbestos-related disease, nor did he receive any training in how to minimise the risk of exposure.

Mesothelioma compensation claims

Clear Answers’ lawyers, who specialise in claims involving mesothelioma, have a reputation for fighting to obtain the maximum personal injury compensation for people who suffer from an asbestos-related disease as a result of negligence.

You will receive 100% of your compensation if your claim for mesothelioma compensation is successful. The person responsible for your condition, or their insurers, will pay our legal fees. The entire service will be cost-free for you, win or lose, if you choose to instruct Clear Answers to represent you.

Our teams of asbestos-related disease experts are waiting to help you should you decide to instruct us to represent you in your mesothelioma claim. We will be happy to provide you with expert legal advice, to answer any questions you may have regarding your personal injury claim and to talk you through the claims process in plain English.

Please ring us on 0800 783 9019 and speak to one of our advisers if you or a family member is suffering or has suffered an asbestos-related disease. Alternatively, please complete one of our on-line compensation claim forms and a representative will contact you as soon as possible.

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