Mesothelioma Compensation

Mesothelioma  Compensation

If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma you may be entitled to compensation. 

Mesothelioma is a cancerous disease contracted by repeated exposure to asbestos. There are many people who were exposed to asbestos in the past who are only now showing the symptoms of asbestos-related diseases. Mesothelioma is caused by inhaling asbestos fibres, it forms in the lining of the lungs, heart or abdomen and results in a malignant tumour. 

Exposure from your place of work is one of the most common ways people have contracted mesothelioma. It is also possible that a person who has been exposed to asbestos may have passed on the disease through contact with someone else, asbestos fibres can cling to your clothes, hair or body and therefore unknowingly you may have brought into your home. 

If you are experiencing any of the following symptoms and suspect that mesothelioma may be the cause it is advisable to consult your Doctor: 

Chest pain. 

Shortness of breath. 

Always feeling tired A cough that won't go away 

A fever and sweating 

Loss of appetite and weight loss. 

Swollen fingertips. 

Your doctor will conduct a physical examination to check for any lumps or other unusual signs. If further investigation is required you may be sent for a scan to look for abnormalities. A chest X-ray or a CT scan will be able to pick this up. 

If a positive result is confirmed, you could be entitled to compensation and it is advisable to contact a lawyer who can file a lawsuit on your behalf. You will need to provide proof that you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, the lawyer will look at your medical records to confirm that you have a case. You will also need to provide information on how, when and where you were exposed to asbestos. 

Once it has been established that there is a case to answer, there are two types of mesothelioma lawsuits: 

1. Personal injury - this allows the patient to seek compensation from the company. 

2. Wrongful death - if a mesothelioma patient dies as a result of the disease, the family are entitled to file a claim for wrongful death. This will not replace a loved one, but any compensation awarded can go to pay towards loss of income, medical bills and funeral expenses. 

It is possible to find in almost every area a lawyer who takes on your case on a no win no fee basis. If you win your case you will pay your lawyer a "success fee" 

Most no win no fee lawyers take on cases where they can establish that someone is to blame for your injury or illness and that their firm could be successful in winning you compensation from that person or their insurer. 

Your lawyer will probably need to get the opinion of a barrister who will act on a no win no fee basis. Bear in mind that if the chosen barrister does not work on a no win no fee basis you will be liable for the charges...always ask before 

you sign. You may also require the evidence of expert witnesses and will probably be charged their fee. 

You can find helplines to chat to someone about the merits of your case or if you prefer use a law firm local to you who will advise you on the best way forward.