Global Asbestos Awareness Week 2015
The first week of April this year is Global Asbestos Awareness Week which helps promote awareness of asbestos related illnesses such as Mesothelioma, Pleural Thickening, Asbestosis, Fibrosis and Lung Cancer. It raises awareness not just for people suffering from these conditions but also for family members of workers who may be more aware of previous asbestos exposure.
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 20 and 50 years to present themselves. These symptoms typically include becoming breathless easily and experiencing fatigue when completing simple tasks,both ofwhich are commonly linked to natural aging or smoking, but can be caused by asbestos.
The use of asbestos here in the South West was widespread between the 1950s and the 1970s, with the local Dockyard being one of the main offenders. Most of the people that worked in the Dockyard during this period were exposed to asbestos, some without even knowing it.
Dean Cruickshanks, Asbestos Solicitor at Wolferstans comments, “Unfortunately a large percentage of our clients have either been exposed to asbestos whilst working in the Dockyard or have worked with asbestos 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.”
“A substantial number of Dockyard workers within the South West have already been diagnosed with Pleural Plaques which confirms beyond any doubt the large scale presence of asbestos within the Dockyard. This is indisputable evidence that someone was once exposed to asbestos and they should therefore be aware that if this condition develops they are of course entitled to bring a claim forward for compensation, which can be substantial due to the care which can often be required as a result.”
Wolferstans solicitors are specialists at pursuing asbestos related claims due to their prominence in the local community and their local knowledge of the Dockyard. The excessive historical use of asbestos within the South West has resulted in Wolferstans bringing hundreds of successful cases forward. If you, a friend, or someone within your family, has worked with asbestos and is suffering frombreathlessness, fatigue, a persistent cough or a tight chest, then it is essential that you contact a local specialist solicitor such as Wolferstans. They can assist you in obtaining the care you require, support you by introducing you to the relevant local asbestos support groups as well as obtaining the financial compensation to which you are entitled and to ensure that the victim and their family members are supported.
Wolferstans Solicitors are a local firm of solicitors that has been helping people in the South West for over 200 years. They can be contacted on 01752 663295 or by emailing dcruickshanks@wolferstans.com and are happy to visit you at your home providing free advice on all asbestos and industrial related matters.