Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is a form of cancer which generally results from regular inhalation of asbestos fibres, usually over a number of years. However, the disease may not appear until years after the asbestos exposure occurred, so mesothelioma sufferers sometimes do not connect the two straight away.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring mineral with many apparently useful properties such as fire resistance, chemical resistance and electrical resistance, as well as sound absorbtion. As a result of these properties, asbestos was previously used for a number of practical purposes, including insulation.
Unfortunately, the practice of using this substance so regularly has had catastrophic effects due to the potential for causing diseases such as asbestosis and mesothelioma.
How does mesothelioma affect the body?
Mesothelioma usually occurs in the lungs, where the cancer cells attack the cells surrounding the lungs. In some cases the cancer can affect other organs., Iin all cases of the disease, the mesothelioma cancer cells attack the protective lining surrounding the organs.
Making a mesothelioma claim
Unfortunately, many people are exposed to asbestos without knowing it, or without knowing about the dangers of asbestos, and they end up contracting mesothelioma as a result.
If the asbestos exposure was due to an employee’s negligence, and if the sufferer has been diagnosed with mesothelioma within the last three years, they may be eligible to make a mesothelioma claim. This is because employers have a duty of care to make reasonable practical steps to ensure the health and safety of the people working for them. If they fail to do so, and an employee then becomes affected by mesothelioma, their negligence may well make them liable for a compensation claim.
Causes of mesothelioma are often work-related, so claiming compensation for mesothelioma from employers or former employers is not uncommon. If you are suffering from mesothelioma as a result of work-related exposure to asbestos, call us today to find out if you can make a mesothelioma claim.
