Mesothelioma is a serious and often fatal cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. It can take decades for symptoms to manifest, but once they do, the disease typically progresses quickly, impacting the lungs, abdomen, or heart. For individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma, it is crucial to understand the various symptoms, available treatments, and legal options to secure compensation and access to vital resources.
Thompsons Solicitors, with their team of expert mesothelioma lawyers, are here to help you and your family navigate the complexities of mesothelioma civil compensation claims, access mesothelioma benefits, and provide guidance on asbestos-related lung cancer claims.
Mesothelioma Symptoms
Mesothelioma symptoms often take between 10 and 50 years to develop after exposure to asbestos. This prolonged latency period means that many people remain unaware of the dangers lurking in their bodies until it is too late. Tragically, by the time symptoms become noticeable, the cancer has usually advanced to a stage where treatment options are limited.
The most common type of mesothelioma is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs (pleura). Its symptoms include:
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Pleural effusion (fluid buildup in the lungs)
Less common forms of mesothelioma include peritoneal mesothelioma, which affects the abdomen, and pericardial mesothelioma, which affects the heart. Both of these forms present with additional symptoms, such as severe abdominal pain and heart palpitations.
Given that early symptoms of mesothelioma resemble those of other respiratory illnesses, it’s vital for anyone with a history of asbestos exposure to consult a doctor if these symptoms appear. Investigative procedures, such as X-rays, CT scans, lung function tests, biopsies, and MRI scans, are typically required for a definitive diagnosis.
Asbestos-Related Lung Cancer
While mesothelioma is perhaps the most well-known asbestos-related cancer, asbestos-related lung cancer is another devastating consequence of asbestos exposure. Lung cancer caused by asbestos can present similarly to other forms of lung cancer, making it difficult to attribute directly to asbestos fibres. However, research suggests that exposure to asbestos fibres significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially for individuals who smoke.
The UK government estimates that over 2,000 deaths each year are caused by asbestos-related lung cancer, in addition to the 2,500 annual mesothelioma fatalities. Some of the occupations at high risk of asbestos exposure and subsequent lung cancer include:
- Joiners and carpenters
- Shipyard workers
- Electricians
- Marine engineers
- Boilermakers
- Insulators
If you or a loved one has worked in any of these industries and received a lung cancer diagnosis, it’s worth discussing your case with a mesothelioma lawyer. They can help determine whether asbestos exposure is a likely cause and whether you may be eligible for compensation through mesothelioma civil compensation claims or other legal avenues.
Making a Mesothelioma Civil Compensation Claim
When mesothelioma or another asbestos-related lung cancer is diagnosed, it’s important to explore legal options. Compensation can help alleviate the financial burden that often comes with a cancer diagnosis, covering medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
At Thompsons Solicitors, our mesothelioma lawyers have a long track record of successfully pursuing mesothelioma civil compensation claims for clients across Scotland. Whether exposure to asbestos occurred decades ago at work, at home through secondary exposure, or in a public space, you may still have grounds to claim compensation.
The process of making a claim typically involves proving that the asbestos exposure was caused by another party's negligence, recklessness, or failure to act. While many companies responsible for asbestos exposure are no longer in operation, our legal team is experienced in tracing insurers and identifying liable parties, even if they have ceased trading.
Here are the key steps involved in making a mesothelioma compensation claim:
- Initial Consultation: Our lawyers will listen to your case, review your medical history, and determine if you have a viable claim.
- Evidence Gathering: We will work with you to gather evidence, including employment history, medical records, and witness statements. If needed, we will bring in expert medical professionals to help substantiate your claim.
- Filing the Claim: Once we have all the evidence, we will file the claim against the responsible party or their insurer. Thompsons Solicitors operates on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning you won’t be liable for any legal costs unless we win your case.
- Settlement or Trial: Many asbestos-related claims are settled out of court. However, if necessary, we will take your case to trial and fight to secure the maximum compensation you deserve.
Mesothelioma Benefits: Securing the Help You Deserve
In addition to pursuing compensation through legal claims, individuals diagnosed with mesothelioma may also be eligible for mesothelioma benefits. The UK government offers a range of benefits and support for individuals suffering from asbestos-related diseases, and it’s crucial to understand what you are entitled to.
Here are some of the benefits that might be available:
- Employment and Support Allowance (ESA): If your illness prevents you from working, you may be entitled to ESA. This benefit replaces Incapacity Benefit and includes a Work Capability Assessment to determine eligibility.
- Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB): For those whose illness was caused by their job, this benefit is available to help compensate for the impact of your condition.
- Personal Independence Payment (PIP): This benefit is available to those with long-term health conditions and provides financial assistance for daily living and mobility needs.
- Attendance Allowance: For individuals aged 65 or over, Attendance Allowance helps cover the cost of personal care.
- Pneumoconiosis Act Compensation: This allows for lump-sum payments to those who have developed mesothelioma or other dust-related diseases due to their work environment.
These benefits are crucial in helping mesothelioma sufferers maintain a good quality of life despite the challenges posed by their illness. Thompsons Solicitors can help you apply for the benefits you are entitled to, ensuring that no financial support is overlooked.
Support Beyond Legal Claims
A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be overwhelming for both the patient and their family. The daily challenges posed by the disease can significantly impact one’s quality of life. In addition to helping clients pursue mesothelioma civil compensation claims and mesothelioma benefits, Thompsons Solicitors works closely with support groups and charities to ensure that individuals receive the comprehensive care they need.
Organisations such as Action on Asbestos offer invaluable guidance, support networks, and access to professional Welfare Rights Officers. These charities help asbestos victims secure state benefits and offer emotional and practical support during this difficult time.
Mesothelioma and Family Members: Legal Rights
When a family member is diagnosed with mesothelioma or another asbestos-related lung cancer, the impact on loved ones is immense. Thompsons Solicitors is dedicated to supporting not only the person suffering from the disease but also their family members. If the mesothelioma sufferer is too ill to manage the legal process themselves, we can work with an appointed family member to ensure that the compensation claim is handled smoothly and quickly.
Family members may also have their own rights to compensation, particularly in cases where they have served as caregivers or when a loved one passes away from the disease. Surviving spouses or dependents can pursue compensation for their loss, but it’s important to act quickly, as there is a three-year time limit from the date of death.
Conclusion: Contact Thompsons Mesothelioma Lawyers Today
At Thompsons Solicitors, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a mesothelioma diagnosis takes on you and your family. With our team of expert mesothelioma lawyers, we are committed to fighting for your right to compensation through mesothelioma civil compensation claims. Whether you’ve been affected by asbestos-related lung cancer, mesothelioma, or other asbestos-related diseases, we are here to help.
Our No Win No Fee model ensures that you won’t have to worry about legal fees unless we successfully secure compensation for you. Contact Thompsons Solicitors today to discuss your case and learn how we can assist you in securing the mesothelioma benefits and compensation you deserve.
