Asbestosis is a chronic lung condition caused by heavy exposure to asbestos dust and fibres over a prolonged period of time. It is scarring of fibrosis of the lungs that restricts breathing, the severity of which is often associated with the levels and duration of asbestos exposure.
How is it Diagnosed?
If you have shortness of breath, a persistent cough, wheezing, and in more advanced cases, clubbed or swollen fingertips, you speak to your GP. If asbestosis is suspected, your GP will refer you to a respiratory specialist at the hospital for further tests.
Treatment
Unfortunately, there is no cure for Asbestosis, although you can take steps to alleviate symptoms. Ask about Pulmonary Rehabilitation (PR) in your area; exercise and advice on managing your condition will be given. Oxygen therapy may also help, and if you smoke, try to quit. Smoking may worsen your symptoms.
Claiming Compensation – We can help
If Asbestosis is suspected, we will visit you at home to discuss with you how your illness was caused and where you may have been exposed. We will obtain a copy of your employment history schedule, which may help you recall where the exposure occurred. We will obtain your GP notes and hospital records and contact any of your former colleagues to try and piece together the circumstances of your exposure to asbestos. If the company you worked for has gone out of business, in many cases, we are able to identify the insurer who provided Employers Liability Insurance for the defunct company at the time you worked for them. Court proceedings are not always necessary. Many known companies exposed their workers to asbestos on a regular basis.
Contact our asbestos disease and mesothelioma solicitors today
At Ashtons, we only act for Claimants in asbestos-related disease cases and conduct cases on a “no win, no fee” basis.
If you wish to discuss bringing any asbestos-related disease claim, please contact Andrew Wilson or Sylvia Phillips for a no-obligation conversation to discuss your options.