Corries  Solicitors have over 25 years’ experience of mesothelioma compensation claims. our lawyers have worked in asbestos claims for over 30 years.

What is mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a type of cancer that forms in either the lining of the lungs, abdomen or heart, caused by exposure to asbestos.

When asbestos fibres are breathed in they work their way into the lining of the lung, known as the pleura. The fibres irritate the pleura which can lead to gene mutations that can cause the growth of cancer.

Fibres can also be swallowed and coughed up which can cause peritoneal mesothelioma (cancer in the abdomen).

Who is at risk of developing mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma can take from 20 to 50 years to develop after the initial exposure to asbestos. It is even possible to develop the disease as a result of a shorter period of exposure.

People have developed mesothelioma as a result of living near to asbestos factories or though living with someone who worked with the material and brought asbestos fibres home on their clothes.

People who worked in heavy industry up until the mid-1980s are more at risk of developing the disease. The NHS reports that over 2600 people are diagnosed with the condition each year in the UK. The majority of cases are diagnosed in men aged 60 to 80.

The peak for mesothelioma victims was notionally 2020 but numbers affected each year remain constant reflecting better and earlier diagnosis and an underestimate of those affected.

What are the symptoms of mesothelioma?

As mesothelioma tends to have a latency period of 20-50 years from the initial exposure to asbestos, the symptoms tend to develop gradually over time. Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the lungs include:

• Chest pain
  • A persistent cough
  • Shortness of breath
  • Fatigue
  • Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss
  • Fever and sweating – particularly at night

Symptoms of mesothelioma in the lining of the stomach include:

• Stomach pain and swelling
  • Nausea
  • Diarrhoea or constipation
  • Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss

Can mesothelioma be treated?

Mesothelioma is often detected at its advanced stage meaning that it is difficult to treat. There is no known cure for the disease but treatment can be used to help minimise your symptoms for as long as possible. Treatment comes in the form of:

Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy can be used for both early and advanced pleural mesothelioma to shrink the size of your tumours.

Radiotherapy: High energy waves are used to kill cancer cells and slow down the growth of your tumour. It is used to relieve pain and discomfort to improve breathing.

Surgery: There are two main types of surgery used for treating pleural mesothelioma. One type is called a pleurectomy and involves the removal of part or all of the pleura from around the lung.

The other type is called an extrapleural pneumonectomy, which involves the removal of the pleura, the lung, part of the covering of the heart (the pericardium) and the diaphragm. This is a major operation, which takes around 3 – 4 months to recover from, and will also include radiotherapy and chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy - there are increasing developments in the field of immunotherapy. Numerous trials for different immunotherapy drugs are continuing. Availability of the different drugs varies in different parts of the UK. We can help signpost you to the relevant places to get treatment and to include costings for this in your claim.

Is there a time limit for making a claim?

You must make a claim within three years of being diagnosed with the disease. If a loved one has passed away, you have up to three years from the diagnosis which found asbestos or then the date of death to be the cause to make a claim.

As mesothelioma can take decades to develop, we can still help you with your claim even if:

• Your former employer has ceased trading.
  • You are not sure of the exact date in which you were exposed.
  • You did not work for the company that you believe to be responsible.

How much will my mesothelioma claim be worth?

The amount of compensation that you may receive is dependent upon the individual circumstances of your case. The amount is dependent upon the following factors:

• The severity of your further health complications.
  • How your life has been affected by your illness.
  • Your future care and support needs.
  • Financial losses, including how much money you have lost or will lose as a result of the industrial disease (e.g. loss of earnings, travel expenses).

If your partner or parent died as a result of mesothelioma, you could be eligible to claim as a ‘dependent’ to account for their loss of income.

How much will it cost to make a claim?

Corries Solicitors take on Asbestos  disease claims on a No Win, No Fee basis, meaning that there are no upfront costs to pay. Mesothelioma claims do not attract a success fee deduction which other claims have. We can explain this to you.

We offer a free initial, no obligation assessment of your case. Contact us on 01904 527430 or submit your details online enquiry form.