People can be exposed to a range of harmful substances in the workplace, many of which can cause debilitating illnesses or even death. At ASD, our solicitors are highly experienced in dealing with a range of industrial diseases including asbestosis and mesothelioma which area caused by exposure to asbestos.

Sadly, once asbestosis or mesothelioma has been detected the outlook is usually poor. Mesothelioma patients in particular are usually given a life expectancy of only a year after the disease has been diagnosed. ASD’s solicitors have worked with family members to make successful claims after their loved one has passed away from an industrial disease such as mesothelioma.

Asbestos Claims

Asbestos exposure can be life-altering, causing chronic lung diseases like Asbestosis. If you or someone you know has been affected by time spent working around asbestos, you may be able to make a claim.

Click the link below to learn more about Asbestos Claims and how we can support your claim.

Asbestos Claims

COPD

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease refers to a number of diseases relating to the lungs including emphysema, chronic bronchitis and chronic obstructive airways disease. Symptoms include chest infections, a phlegmy cough and shortness of breath, particularly with exercise. The main cause of COPD is smoking but it can also be caused by exposure to asbestos or certain chemicals.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Lung Cancer

Asbestos exposure can result in the development of lung cancer. Previous smoking, together with previous exposure to asbestos, can result in an increased chance of development of lung cancer. The symptoms of lung cancer, which are commonly understood by the general population, include cough, breathlessness, blood in the sputum, weight loss and chest pain etc.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is a cancer which affects the mesothelial cells found in the lining that covers the organs of the body. The most common area of the body to be affected by mesothelioma is the lungs, however the cancer can also develop in the lining of the abdomen. Symptoms of pleural mesothelioma include shortness of breath, coughing and chest pain. In 2012 around 2,400 people died from mesothelioma in the UK.*

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

* Statistic from Cancer Research UK

Occupational Asthma

There are many substances which people can be exposed to in the industrial workplace which could cause occupational asthma including dust from flour, grain, wood, rubber and from animals and insects. Occupational asthma causes symptoms of asthma such as wheezing, shortness of breath and frequent coughing, and long term exposure can lead to a person developing severe chronic asthma.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Pleural Effusion

Pleural Effusion happens when excess liquid builds up in between the two pleura membranes which cover the lungs. Pleural Effusion, associated with asbestos exposure and asbestos related disease, can be an indicator for the development of Mesothelioma.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Pleural Plaques

Pleural Plaques are a benign disease of the pleura (the lining around the lung). Pleural Plaques can usually be identified on x-ray and typically develops some 20 years or so after exposure to asbestos fibres. Pleural Plaques are no longer an actionable asbestos related disease and as such, following the House of Lords Judgement in Johnston v NEI Combustion, the claim can no longer be made for asymptomatic Pleural Plaques. Pleural Plaques are evidence of large asbestos exposure earlier in the patient’s life.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Pleural Thickening

Pleural Thickening (calcified Pleural Thickening) is usually identified by a CT scan. Again, as with Pleural Plaques, it is typically 20 years or more before Pleural Thickening symptoms become evident. Such symptoms often are shortness of breath, breathlessness and chest pain. Pleural Thickening can progress given increased symptoms and can develop into other forms of asbestos related diseases. Pleural Thickening is not just caused by asbestos exposure.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Pneumoconiosis

Pneumoconiosis is a lung disease caused by exposure to dust, including dust from coal mines, textile fibres in factories or from asbestos exposure. Pneumoconiosis causes scarring on the lungs and symptoms include difficulty breathing, a persistent cough and phlegm.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622

Silicosis

Silicosis is caused by the inhalation of silica dust, a substance found in certain rocks, sand, clay and stones and can affect people who work in construction, mining, pottery and sand blasting, as well as other occupations which involve dusty atmospheres. The silica causes scarring and inflammation in the lungs which means people suffering from the disease experience coughing, shortness of breath and may have a skin bluish tone.

Can we help? For specialist and free advice call 0800 163 622