Asbestos: The hidden killer

The statistics

Asbestos claims the lives of over 5,000 people per year.

In 2020, there were 2,544 deaths caused by mesothelioma, with a similar number of lung cancer deaths linked to past exposure to asbestos.

The statistics are staggeringly high considering the use of asbestos has been banned for decades. But how is asbestos still so prominent? How is it still claiming the lives of thousands of people per year?

Mark Ellis, Partner at Tilly Bailey & Irvine within the personal injury department explains more and highlights how we can help with claims for asbestos exposure.

What is asbestos?

Asbestos is a group of naturally occurring minerals which are made up of heat-resistant fibres. It was used in thousands of products before the dangers of asbestos were widely known. As such it was commonly used in a number of industries, in particular auto parts, construction, cement, electrical parts and insulation. People who worked in such industries were commonly exposed to asbestos without understanding the potential risks.

What are the effects of asbestos exposure?

Inhalation of asbestos fibres can cause serious illnesses including cancer, asbestosis, and pleural thickening, most of which affect the lungs or the external lining of the lungs (pleura). With these diseases, it takes decades from the initial asbestos exposure before any symptoms occur, which is why it typically affects the older generations who have worked with asbestos many years prior, and can be extremely dangerous, sometimes fatal.

Symptoms include:

Severe shortness of breath and tightness in the chest
Persistent cough
Exhaustion
Chest pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fluid around the lungs

Who is affected by asbestos related illnesses?

Not everyone who was exposed to asbestos develops asbestos related diseases. However, claims are high amongst those who have worked in certain roles or industries. Those include heavy industry workers, tradesmen such as plumbers, heating engineers and those in construction, manufacturing, and ship building.

There is, however, no restriction on those who can be affected and the types of work of those who have brought claims. For example, we have acted for nurses, caretakers, and teachers. This is because asbestos was widely used in the construction of older buildings, such as schools and hospitals.

Tilly Bailey & Irvine have also handled asbestos and mesothelioma asbestos claims for wives and other family members who were exposed to asbestos from the clothes of their husbands, fathers, or sons brought home from work, and for those who have lived close to factories and were exposed to asbestos dust which escaped into the atmosphere.

How can Tilly Bailey & Irvine help?

If you or a loved one has recently been diagnosed with an asbestos related illness, such as mesothelioma, asbestosis, pleural thickening, or lung cancer, it may be possible to pursue a compensation asbestos claim. If you have sadly lost a loved one due to an asbestos related disease, compensation may also be due.

The types of asbestos related illnesses you can claim for are:

Mesothelioma - a form of cancer mainly affecting the lining of the lungs.
Asbestos - related lung cancer
Asbestosis - a non-malignant scarring of the lung tissue

Contact Us

Due to the legacy of shipbuilding and heavy industry in the North-East, we have successfully handled a great deal of asbestos claims and have extensive experience in handling claims of this nature.

To find out more about how we can advice you on an asbestos-related disease claim, please give us a call on 0333 444 4422 or fill in an online enquiry form and someone will be in touch.

Call: 0333 444 4422