Raleys Solicitors

According to the Institute of Cancer Research, there are more instances of Mesothelioma in the UK than in any other country, with 2,000 people dying from it in the UK each year. Instances of the terminal disease are between three and five times fewer in the United States.

Mesothelioma is a terminal form of cancer which is brought about by exposure to asbestos. It is not the only illness that prolonged asbestos exposure can cause: asbestosis, pleural thickening and lung cancer are others.

The disease is so prevalent in our country because asbestos was used in construction, insulation and fireproofing and many workers came into contact with it when working on construction sites and shipyards as well as other industries. Unfortunately, the dangers of asbestos weren’t originally known, and employers did not always provide protection for employees in the form of protective clothing and masks as well as adequate ventilation and extraction.

Sadly, for the many thousands of workers who were exposed to asbestos during their working lives, mesothelioma cannot be cured. Not every worker who was exposed to asbestos will develop this deadly form of cancer, but there is a latency period of 30 to 40 years which means that workers often spend years worrying about whether they will contract this or another related disease.

Nothing can remove the stress and strain or the physical pain of living with this disease or living in fear of it, but victims may be entitled to claim compensation in order to relieve financial strain brought about by lost earnings and ill health.