Asbestos Claims Solicitors in Scotland
Asbestos is the single greatest cause of work-related deaths in Scotland and the wider UK.
Asbestos is the number one cause of work-related deaths in Scotland and across the UK. Should you or a family member have developed an asbestos-related disease, you could be eligible to make an asbestos claim for compensation, and our solicitors are here to help.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral found in rock formations in various parts of the world. Known for its remarkable heat and fire-resistant properties, asbestos became a 'miracle material' during the industrial age. However, despite its practical uses in construction and engineering, the dangers of asbestos exposure have made it a significant public health concern.
In the UK and in Scotland, asbestos is still the leading cause of occupational deaths. For decades, workers have had their health put at risk. Even after the dangers became apparent, many employers did not take the necessary precautions to prevent the deadly effects of asbestos exposure. This carelessness has led to many cases of asbestos-related diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
Who can make an asbestos claim?
If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, then you can normally bring a claim. That applies to mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural thickening, pleural plaques, or asbestos-related lung cancer. The fact that you may have been exposed 30 years ago as these diseases typically take anything from 20 to 40 years to develop, and many of the employers concerned are no longer trading, does not mean you cannot claim.
The time limit is three years from the date of diagnosis, not from when you were first exposed. In the case of a family member who has passed away due to an asbestos-related illness, dependents can bring a claim within three years of the death. For Scottish residents: you can claim for pleural plaques, whereas this is not available in England and Wales.
History of asbestos
Asbestos has been around for hundreds of years and its fire-retardant qualities have been recognised all along. Its commercial use, however, only started in the 19th century, when the Industrial Revolution drove a rapid increase in asbestos mining and production. Asbestos was spun into thread and woven as fabric, used as an insulating material, and became a standard in factories, shipbuilding, and construction, with many factories across the UK manufacturing asbestos products.
Asbestos was being imported into the UK until 1998 despite its associated health dangers, with the greatest popularity during the 1960s, by which time up to 187,000 tonnes were being imported into the country each year. Asbestos had over time become part and parcel of the UK structural landscape, being used in a variety of applications including insulation, soundproofing, roofing, and wall cladding.
Although health concerns regarding asbestos emerged as early as the 1920s, regulations to limit exposure emerged much later. The Asbestos Industry Regulations in 1931 marked the initial start of regulation, but did not go far enough to safeguard workers. In the 1970s and 80s, heavy restrictions were placed, and by 1999 all asbestos was no longer legally permitted to be used in the UK.
Exposure to asbestos occurs when fibres are released into the air and are inhaled or swallowed. The fibres are small enough to penetrate deep into lung tissue, resulting in irritation and scarring. This can lead to several health problems including asbestosis, mesothelioma, and other lung diseases.
The risk of an asbestos-related disease occurring is dependent on the degree of exposure a person receives. Workers involved in shipbuilding, construction, engineering, and insulation industries were among those exposed to asbestos to the highest degree. For many of these people, exposure lasted for many years, with large quantities of asbestos dust being breathed in day after day.
In the past, employers thought that controlling dust levels would reduce the number of asbestos-related diseases but this proved overly optimistic. Even a small dose over many years can produce serious health problems. It is now believed that any asbestos exposure carries risk, and some people have fallen ill after relatively short-term exposure.
Asbestos exposure does not only affect those who handle it directly. There is also a chance of secondary exposure when asbestos particles are brought home on work clothes, putting family members at risk. Asbestos is still found in older buildings today, making renovation or demolition work dangerous unless the correct precautions are taken.
The discovery of asbestos-related illness such as asbestosis can be difficult, as many symptoms have a delayed onset and often appear decades after exposure. The symptoms can resemble those of many other illnesses: pain in the chest, persistent cough, and breathlessness.
If you think you have come into contact with asbestos and you have any of these symptoms, you must see a doctor. Your doctor will have to eliminate all other possible causes of pulmonary fibrosis and will need to know about your occupational history. They will ask questions about prior exposure to asbestos and the frequency and duration of that exposure.
For a conclusive diagnosis, a lung disease specialist will be consulted. They will perform a range of tests, which may include:
- Chest X-rays to identify any scarring or pleural plaques in the lungs.
- CT scans for a more detailed image of the lungs and to spot early signs of fibrosis.
- Spirometry and pulmonary function tests to measure lung capacity and how well gases like oxygen are transferred to the bloodstream.
Listening to the lungs with a stethoscope may also give clues to diagnosis, as crackles in the lungs suggest scarring. It is sometimes possible to do a biopsy to look for the presence of asbestos fibres in the tissue of the lung, but this is not routine in the UK.
It should be noted that the damage caused by asbestos fibres is not limited to the period of exposure. Once fibres have settled in the lungs, they remain there and continue to contribute to the progression of any existing lung diseases. Asbestosis, for instance, is a gradual disease and the damage it causes is permanent. Workers who were exposed to asbestos many years ago may still be suffering the consequences.
Frequently asked questions
It is completely reliant upon what condition you have been diagnosed with and how it has affected your life. Compensation levels for pleural thickening and asbestosis are generally between £15,000 and £100,000 or more, whereas mesothelioma claims often attract much greater awards.
There is no single average, as the range varies widely. Compensation is calculated on an individual basis, looking at general damages for pain and quality of life, and special damages such as care costs and lost earnings.
Yes. If you have suffered an asbestos-related disease and the exposure occurred as a result of negligence on the part of an employer or other party, you are able to bring a civil claim for compensation. Even if the employer no longer exists, we are often able to locate their insurers. Where the insurers cannot be located, government schemes may be relevant, such as the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme.
Get in touch about your asbestos claim
Getting an asbestos diagnosis is hard enough without the added burden of legal proceedings. We are sensitive to this, and our asbestos team across Scotland is equipped to lighten your load as much as possible.
We handle all asbestos claims on a no win, no fee basis. Speak to us and we will guide you through the options available, explain your position, and there is no cost for that initial discussion. Call us or contact us online to get started.
About asbestos
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used since ancient times. There are three types of asbestos - Crocidolite, Amosite and Chrysotile. Nowadays we understand and regulate the dangers of asbestos and the use and reuse of asbestos materials is banned under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
Asbestos-related conditions
Asbestos causes around 4,500 deaths a year in the UK. Thompsons Solicitors can help you claim for the full range of asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques.
Victim support
At Thompsons we support victims and their families throughout the asbestos claims process and beyond. We have formed strong ties with support groups, campaign groups and medical specialists to help achieve this.
We work closely with Action On Asbestos (formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos) and proudly support the work they carry out for everyone who has been affected by asbestos.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer and in most cases is the most severe asbestos-related disease. The cancer takes at least 10 to 15 years to develop, and sometimes as many as 40 years. In the majority of cases it affects the pleura (lining of the lungs).
History of asbestosis
In the 1920s asbestosis became the first asbestos-related disease to come to the attention of the medical profession. It was found that workers in asbestos factories developed symptoms of chronic coughs and breathlessness. Microscopic examinations of workers' lungs found huge numbers of tiny fibres, invisible to the naked eye.
Pleural plaques
Pleural plaques affect the lining of the lungs and are the most common asbestos-related condition. Plaques do not usually cause any symptoms. However, in some cases the plaques may reduce the efficiency of the lung, and may indicate asbestos exposure and the possible development of additional asbestos diseases.
Secondary exposure to asbestos
An increasing number of asbestos disease diagnoses involve secondary exposure. Most of these affect sufferers who came into contact with asbestos as a result of laundering asbestos-contaminated clothes or as a result of close proximity to someone wearing asbestos-contaminated clothing.
Tracing your former employers
Asbestos illnesses have a long latency period. This means that, as many years pass between the time of exposure and the time of diagnosis, it can sometimes be difficult tracing the liable employer. Thompsons are specialists in tracing liable employers.
Workers likely to be affected
Asbestos use was so widespread that it is not just heavy industries such as shipbuilding or engineering that have been affected. Joiners, painters, welders and even teachers, prison officers and hospital workers sometimes develop asbestos-related diseases.
Asbestos and school children
Asbestos was used in almost all UK schools and nurseries built from the 1950s to the 1980s. As a result many people have been affected, including school children.
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral that has been used since ancient times. There are three types of asbestos - Crocidolite, Amosite and Chrysotile. Nowadays we understand and regulate the dangers of asbestos and the use and reuse of asbestos materials is banned under the Control of Asbestos Regulations 2012.
For more information about the history of asbestos and how this may relate to your claim click on a button below.
Asbestos causes around 4,500 deaths a year in the UK. Thompsons Solicitors can help you claim for the full range of asbestos-related conditions, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques.
For more information about how Thompsons can help you claim click on a button below.
At Thompsons we support victims and their families throughout the asbestos claims process and beyond. We have formed strong ties with support groups, campaign groups and medical specialists to help achieve this.
We work closely with Action On Asbestos (Formerly Clydeside Action on Asbestos) and proudly support the work they carry out for everyone who has been affected by asbestos.
For information about Victim Support click on a button below.
Mesothelioma is a type of cancer and in most cases is the most severe asbestos-related disease. The cancer takes at least 10 to 15 years to develop, and sometimes as many as 40 years. In the majority of cases affects the pleura (lining of the lungs).
For more information about claiming for mesothelioma click on a button below.In the 1920s asbestosis became the first asbestos-related disease to come to the attention of the medical profession. It was found that workers in asbestos factories developed symptoms of chronic coughs and breathlessness. Microscopic examinations of workers’ lungs found huge numbers of tiny fibres, invisible to the naked eye.
For more information click on a button below.
Pleural plaques affect the lining of the lungs and are the most common asbestos-related condition. Plaques do not usually cause any symptoms. However, in some cases the plaques may reduce the efficiency of the lung, and may indicate asbestos exposure and the possible development of additional asbestos diseases.
For more information click on a button below.
An increasing number of asbestos disease diagnoses involve secondary exposure. Most of these affect sufferers who came into contact with asbestos as a result of laundering asbestos-contaminated clothes or as a result of close proximity to someone wearing asbestos-contaminated clothing.
For information click on a button below.
Asbestos illnesses have a long latency period. This means that, as many years pass between the time of exposure and the time of diagnosis, it can sometimes be difficult tracing the liable employer.
Thompsons are specialists in tracing liable employers. For more information click on a button below.
Asbestos use was so widespread that it is not just heavy industries such as shipbuilding or engineering that have been affected. Joiners, painters, welders and even teachers, prison officers and hospital workers sometimes develop asbestos-related diseases.
For more information about this subject click on a button below.
Asbestos was used in almost all UK schools and nurseries built from the 1950s to the 1980s. As a result many people have been affected, including school children.
For more information about exposure in the school or classroom click on a button below.
What do you need to prove? Who will pay? How much will it cost? What are the time limits? For answers to these questions and many more click on a button below.
Our dedicated and passionate team of specialists have helped and advised asbestos disease claimants across Scotland and beyond. They are highly experienced and will fight for your justice and be with you every step of the way.
To view the profiles of the Lung Disease team click on a button below.
