Diagnosed Asbestos Cases On The Rise
Once again the estimated year in which asbestos related diseases are expected to peak has been moved back.
It is now estimated that deaths arising from previous exposure to asbestos will now reach its peak level in the year 2020 showing how asbestos related conditions are still the main legacy of the industrial revolution in this country.
Asbestos was used as a fire retardant material in vast quantities during the 1950’s and 1960’s however it has been used since the industrial resolution in the 19th century in construction on railways and in the shipbuilding industry and became even more widely used following the second world war. As a result the South West of England has become a hotspot for asbestos related illnesses due to the amount of asbestos used within local industry and within the dockyards.
It is unfortunately all too common that workers who have been exposed to asbestos typically put their symptoms down to natural aging as these symptoms can take between 30 and 50 years to present themselves. Symptoms of asbestos exposure typically include becoming breathless easily and experiencing fatigue when completing simple tasks, both of which are commonly linked to natural aging however where there has been a history of previous asbestos exposure it is essential to check whether these symptoms are related to the asbestos as soon as possible.
The use of asbestos here in the South West was widespread between the 1950s and the 1970s, with dockyard workers, laggers, electricians, carpenters and plumbers all possibly having being exposed. Most of the people that worked in construction during this period were also possibly exposed to asbestos, some without evening knowing it.
Once exposed to asbestos symptoms can take anywhere between 20 and 50 years to arise at which point it can give rise to a multitude of conditions from Lung Cancer and Asbestosis to the fatal condition of Mesothelioma. Symptoms generally include breathlessness, fatigue and pain in the chest and once they start it is essential that advice from a specialist is sought. At Wolferstans Solicitors the specialist asbestos solicitors can assist in bringing claims forward for asbestos related conditions that typically attract an award of between £100,000.00 and £300,000.00.
“Unfortunately a large percentage of our client’s have either been exposed to asbestos whilst working in the South West or have worked in industry in other parts of the country and have then retired to the South West, only for the symptoms relating to the previous asbestos exposure to take hold”
“It is essential that anyone exposed to asbestos is aware that if their symptoms develop they are entitled to bring a claim forward for compensation, which can be substantial due to the care which can be required as a result.” – Dean Cruickshanks, Specialist Asbestos Solicitor.
If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos and has developed breathlessness, fatigue, chest pain or has already received an asbestos related diagnosis then please no not hesitate to contact the specialist asbestos solicitors at Wolferstans Solicitors for a free no obligation discussion on