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Asbestos is the name given to a naturally occurring mineral which was frequently used during the 1960’s and 1970’s in mining, construction and shipbuilding.
Asbestos was widely used because it was non-flammable, flexible, virtually indestructible and low heat-conducting. It was considered to be perfect for use in insulation, brake linings, and cement and fire-proofing.
There are three different types of asbestos. The first is called Crocidolite and is more commonly known as Blue Asbestos – this was used mainly in the textile industry and was banned from use in the UK in 1985. The second is called Amosite and is more commonly known as Brown Asbestos – this was mainly used for insulation and was also banned from being used in the UK in 1985. The third is called Chrysotile and is more commonly known as White Asbestos – this was used in both the textile and building industries and was banned from being used in the UK in 1999.
Although asbestos was very useful, it was very dangerous too. Asbestos is made up of millions of fibres which when inhaled into the lungs is very dangerous.
Asbestos related diseases take many years, usually at least 30 to develop. If you worked with asbestos, even if it was many years ago you may be affected. Asbestos related disease also occur among the wives and children of those who come into contact with the relative’s overalls worn whilst working with asbestos.
There are many different types of asbestos related conditions and they each vary in severity. The conditions include Pleural Plaques, Mesothelioma, Lung Cancer and Asbestosis. Asbestosis is often misused as a term for any asbestos related disease.
If you have developed any asbestos related condition (with the exception of pleural plaques) and, if it can be proven that you were exposed to the asbestos due to someone else’s fault then you would be entitled to bring in a personal injury claim for compensation.
In the vast majority of cases, asbestos related diseases develop after several years of inhaling asbestos dust and fibres. The main point to remember is that the earlier an asbestos related disease is diagnosed, the better the condition can be monitored or treated.
X-Rays, scans and lung-function tests can diagnose an asbestos related disease and monitor its progression.
If you or someone you know has developed an asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.
There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.
Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim forms.