Have you been in contact with asbestos in the past? This might be affecting your health today. Every year, more than 2,700 people in the UK are told they have mesothelioma. This serious cancer mainly comes from being around asbestos11. It usually takes more than twenty years to show up, often in men older than 7511.
Every year, mesothelioma is the cause of about 2,500 deaths. This highlights the need to know your legal rights and how to get compensation1. Though asbestos use is banned now, many are just starting to face the impacts11. If you think you’re affected, it’s important to learn about seeking justice and getting the right support.
Mesothelioma is a dangerous cancer caused by asbestos. It affects many, especially those who’ve encountered asbestos. This disease’s connection with asbestos is clear from lots of data and health records. We aim to explain mesothelioma, including what increases its risk, its signs, and how doctors diagnose it accurately.
Asbestos cancer mesothelioma is a harmful tumour. It mainly hits the lung or stomach lining due to asbestos fibres. Even after banning asbestos, new cases of mesothelioma still pop up. This happens years after someone first touches asbestos.
Knowing what raises your chance of getting sick from asbestos is key to avoiding diseases it causes. Working in jobs known for asbestos use, like building or mining, makes mesothelioma more likely. Second-hand exposure also increases risk. An example is when someone washes clothes that touched asbestos.
The signs of mesothelioma look like those of other, less serious illnesses. This can lead to late diagnosis. Symptoms include hard breathing, pain in the chest, and coughing a lot. A proper check-up usually needs detailed scans and tissue tests. These tests are vital for spotting this hidden disease.
| Statistical Aspect | UK Data1 | Global Context2 |
|---|---|---|
| Annual Diagnosis | 2,700+ | 60,800 (2015) |
| Typical Age at Diagnosis | 75+ | 65+ with majority fatalities at 70 |
| Gender Prevalence | Men > Women | Not specified |
| Progression After Exposure | 20+ years | 40 years average |
| Annual Deaths | 2,500 | 32,000 (2015) |
| Five-Year Survival Rate | Not specified | 8% (US) |
| Future Trends | Expected decline due to asbestos ban | Variable global incidence rates |
In the UK, over 2,700 people get diagnosed with mesothelioma yearly1. Most are men, 75 years old or older. This highlights the long-term effects of asbestos exposure, which usually shows more than 20 years later1. Thanks to the asbestos ban in 1999, we expect fewer deaths, but currently, about 2,500 people die each year in the UK because of it1. Around the world, the numbers are also alarming. In 2015, there were 32,000 deaths, with patients in the US having an 8% chance of living five years after diagnosis. The disease appears about 40 years after first contact with asbestos2. How common mesothelioma is varies in different places. Australia sees high numbers, while Japan has fewer cases2. These facts show how serious asbestos is to health and why early detection and treatment are essential.
Mesothelioma victims face tough emotional and legal battles for rightful compensation. This aggressive cancer, mostly from asbestos, has a very short life expectancy of just 8 to 9 months34. With about 2,000 cases each year in the UK, and numbers expected to rise, quick and efficient legal action is crucial3.
As more cases are diagnosed, legal battles have grown. The High Court’s decision to protect mesothelioma victims’ damages was a big win3. The Legal Aid Sentencing and Punishment of Offenders Act 2013 at first protected victims but later included them, highlighting the need for expert legal advice3.
Handling asbestos litigation needs knowledgeable lawyers. They aim not just to win in court but to get compensation that fully meets the client’s needs. Choosing a skilled lawyer is vital. They must find who is to blame, a challenge for over 300 people each year4. They also use specific laws to get the best settlement possible4.
This table shows key financial help for mesothelioma victims and recent government changes to compensation:
| Support Scheme | Average Compensation | Year Established/Amended |
|---|---|---|
| Mesothelioma Act | £123,000 | 20144 |
| Pneumoconiosis etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 | £18,000 | 19794 |
| Child Maintenance and Other Payments Act 2008 | £20,000 | 20084 |
Dealing with mesothelioma is hard. But the compensation system is getting better at supporting victims and their families. Knowing their rights helps them worry less about money and more about getting better34.
The use of asbestos in the U.S. dropped from 803,000 metric tons in 1973 to 360 metric tons in 20155. Despite this decrease, the risk of occupational asbestos exposure remains a serious issue. Workers in fields like shipbuilding, insulation, and car repairs have been particularly at risk5.
Illnesses from asbestos can appear 10 to 40 years after exposure5. This makes it hard to protect workers’ health. Families of exposed workers also risk developing deadly diseases5.
Risk assessments have shed light on the dangers of occupational asbestos. One study looked at the risks from contaminated clothing6. Another explored how living near asbestos sites increases mesothelioma risk6. Research also shows different risks based on job type and exposure in British people6.
One study involved 2,466 men who had been exposed to asbestos7. It found a lower mesothelioma risk for those first exposed after 20 years old. However, the risk increased after 30 years since last exposure7.
When managing asbestos risk, it’s vital to consider different work environments and exposure times. Protecting against asbestos-related diseases needs thorough monitoring and strict safety practices.
There’s been a sharp rise in asbestos cancer mesothelioma cases. Now, more than ever, getting compensation is crucial. New schemes promise financial hope for victims and their loved ones. We’ll look at how these schemes work, the deadlines for making claims, and what legal options are there for those exposed at work.
The government has raised compensation from £115,000 to £123,000 for eligible people under the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme starting this April4. They’ve set aside £380 million to help around 3,500 victims or their families. Applications open next month, and payments start in July4. This shows the government’s commitment to supporting those affected by asbestos cancer.
Mesothelioma can take 40 to 50 years to show symptoms. Every year, over 300 individuals struggle to find who to claim from4. Knowing when to file your claim is key to getting legal help. There’s only a limited time to act, so speed is of the essence.
Laws against asbestos first appeared in the 1980s and by 1999, it was completely banned. Yet, many affected are still fighting for justice4. Over 800 people will get payments in the first year of the Mesothelioma Act, funded by insurance companies. This will continue with 300 yearly payments until 2024, offering more than current government schemes4. The Employers’ Liability Tracing Office (ELTO), started in 2011, helps find lost insurance records, covering 99% of employers4.
| Year | Payment Increases | Number of Victims Supported |
|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Initial payments made by insurance firms | Over 800 eligible people |
| 2023 | £123,000 under new scheme from £115,000 | Approx. 3,500 victims/families |
| Annual (until 2024) | Substantially higher than previous government schemes | 300 victims |
Finding the right legal support is critical for asbestos exposure victims. With the new schemes, they stand to win larger payments. It’s crucial to claim on time4. Knowing your rights can bring not just financial help but a sense of justice for the harm done.
Mesothelioma is a serious disease, mainly from asbestos exposure. It affects people physically, emotionally, and psychologically. In the UK, over 2,700 individuals are diagnosed every year1. It mostly affects men and usually those who are 75 and older1. Patients and their families can find help and support from many organisations during these tough times.
Support groups offer a caring place to share stories, advice, and support. They are key in the journey of dealing with this disease. They give a feeling of togetherness, lessening the sense of being alone. These groups also provide information on treatments, keeping patients informed.
Support organisations guide patients to important resources. They help with financial aid, legal advice, and specialised counselling. This helps people understand their legal rights and deal with the disease’s emotional impact.
| Organisation | Contact Number | Services Offered |
|---|---|---|
| Cancer Research UK | 0808 800 4040 | Information and guidance on cancer treatments |
| Mesothelioma UK | 0800 169 2409 | Specialist mesothelioma information and support |
| Roy Castle Lung Cancer Foundation | 0333 323 7200 | Patient advocacy and support |
| Macmillan Cancer Support | 0808 808 00 00 | Comprehensive support for all aspects of cancer care |
| British Thoracic Society | 0300 003 1747 | Medical advice and guidelines for thoracic conditions |
These organisations and helplines are vital for mesothelioma patients8. They offer immediate help and improve ongoing support quality. It’s comforting to know there’s a support network for those facing this tough disease.
The UK led the way in tackling the dangers of asbestos exposure. By the mid-1980s, laws banning asbestos use and import were enforced. A total ban on chrysotile asbestos was announced in 19994. To help those affected by past exposure, the ELTO was created in April 2011. It keeps a digital archive of employers’ liability insurance policies4.
The government raised compensation for mesothelioma sufferers, from about £115,000 to £123,000 since April 20144. A significant £380 million fund supports around 3,500 victims or their families each year since July 20144. The Mesothelioma Act of 2014 compensated over 800 claimants. It’s expected to help 300 people yearly, paying 80% of average civil damages. This is a major increase from past schemes4.
To prevent asbestos exposure, the government set strict rules. Workers must undergo annual training9. The air must have less than 0.1 asbestos fibres per cubic centimetre over four hours. Tighter restrictions apply to non-licensed asbestos work9. These steps show the UK’s commitment to fighting asbestos harm and aiding those affected.
If you’ve been diagnosed with mesothelioma and need legal help, don’t hesitate to get in touch with our expert litigators at MRH Solicitors.
