Despite well catalogued evidence, at the peak of asbestos mining and manufacture, many employers failed to implement sufficient protection and safety standards to protect their staff. As a result, they are still held liable for any resulting illnesses elicited by employee asbestos exposure. The real problem when trying to make claims for things like asbestosis compensation, lies in the time lag between initial asbestos exposure and exhibiting symptoms which can be between 10 and 40 years for some conditions. During which time, the employer responsible for your illness could have shut up shop and moved on.
Whilst an asbestos related disease diagnosis is dire, in around 90% of cases it is possible to find the insurers of past employers, so that a claim for compensation can be made. It won't make amends for the damage caused by the debilitating effects of the illness, but any compensation received can go a long way towards paying for medical treatment and providing financial peace of mind.
In 10% of cases however, these insurers cannot be found, so no one remains to take the blame. For the past couple of years, the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) has been working to create a scheme that can pay compensation to these individuals. Unfortunately, this scheme won't come into force for another two years and when it does, it will only cater for mesothelioma compensation claims; ignoring the remaining 50% of asbestos related disease sufferers. The true shame in this, is that the prognosis for those diagnosed with mesothelioma is often no more than a year. So many of today's sufferers are likely to have passed away before they can take advantage of this initiative.
What's worse, is that it would only cost the government an extra 20% to cover the claims of the other 50% of asbestos illness sufferers. Yet, according to Tony Whitson, Chairman of the Asbestos Victims Support Groups Forum, pressure from "rich and powerful insurers" has caused ministers to turn a blind eye and cast the remaining victims of asbestos exposure out into the cold.
Whilst this is deplorable, there are still benefits available from the government that can help those who fall into the unfortunate 10%; information of which, can be provided by your personal injury solicitor. If on the other hand you have been following this news with interest because you think you may be affected, it is critical that you seek legal advice as quickly as possible. Tracking down past employers and insurers takes specialist expertise and time, so involving a personal injury solicitor at an early stage will help to speed up the process.
Statistics compiled by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), reveal that in 2009, 2,321 British people died due to Mesothelioma alone. Whereas an estimated 2,000 died from asbestos related lung cancer, and a further 411 deaths were caused by asbestosis. Since the 1980s, these figures have increased year on year so the number of asbestosis claims and mesothelioma compensation cases look set to increase in line with the rate of increased diagnosis.
Whilst Asbestosis and Mesothelioma can be quite severe, pleural plaques and pleural thickening claims are becoming increasingly common as diagnostic tests and procedures have improved. Whilst considered to be more benign, these conditions can still be symptomatic so it is worth consulting with your GP and a personal injury solicitor to ensure that you are aware of the risks and to find out what your options are.
Asons Solicitors is a Bolton-based law practice that specialises in personal injury and industrial disease claims. Founded by brothers Imran Akram and Kamran Akram, Asons Solicitors has developed to become a young and dynamic law firm that delivers practical solutions to clients in times of difficulty. Their continued focus on their staff has seen them awarded with the Investors in People "Gold Award"; which is reflected in the professional and personable approach they take in working with clients. They strive to grow and to develop, and their supportiveness and attention to detail ensures that their clients use them time and again.
For further information contact:
Email: info@asons.co.uk
Website: http://www.asons.co.uk
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