Companies liable for asbestos-related workers compensation claims
Released on: July 29, 2008, 5:38 am
Press Release Author: Aegis Law
Industry: Law
Press Release Summary: Hundreds of employers up and down the country are finding themselves liable for workers compensation claims as a result of exposing their workers to harmful asbestos over the past 50 years...
Press Release Body: Hundreds of employers up and down the country are finding themselves liable for workers compensation claims as a result of exposing their workers to harmful asbestos over the past 50 years.
Asbestos was commonly used in industries such as manufacturing, engineering and construction in the 1960s and 70s and can result in several serious conditions including:
Asbestosis - This is a scarring of the lungs caused by prolonged exposure to Asbestos dust.
Lung Cancer - Exposure to asbestos dust has been proven to increase the risk of lung cancer. Lung Cancer usually follows Asbestosis.
Pleural Thickening - This refers to the scarring of the mesothelium. This is less serious than asbestosis but can cause breathing difficulties.
Pleural plaques - Scars which form in the area around the lung. This is usually symptomless and recent ruling in the House of Lords declared that those affected cannot claim compensation.
Those affected may also be entitled to claim for:
· financial losses or expenses · loss of earnings and pension entitlement · private treatment fees and medical costs
As the dependant of someone who has died from one of the above conditions, you may be entitled to claim bereavement damages of upto £10,000, as well as for funeral expenses and financial dependency on the deceased.
In addition to the above, you may also be entitled to state benefits under the Workers Compensation Act and Industrial Injuries disablement benefits scheme.
It is not just those who were directly affected by asbestos in their working environment that could be eligible for compensation. Under new legislation, those who lived near to factories containing asbestos can now also claim. Wirral\'s workers compensation claims specialists Aegis Law are encouraging people who think they may have been affected by asbestos to come forward.
Gina Simpson of the firm had this to say:
\"Asbestos is responsible for causing a number of very serious conditions and we believe that there are thousands of people across Liverpool and the Wirral who could have been affected. These people are entitled to file workers compensation claims, for the hardship they have suffered at the hands of negligent employers. If you think that you or a loved one may have been affected, contact us today where one of our friendly staff will be happy to advise you on all of the options that are available to you.\"
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