When you work in a potentially dangerous environment without the correct protection, there is a chance that you may develop serious medical complications. Whilst occupational asthma can be a condition that is manageable, there are also more serious cases of mesothelioma. If you have been unfortunate enough to have developed any form of industrial disease, it is important to seek professional legal advice in order to get the compensation that you deserve.
What is occupational asthma?
Occupational asthma is a breathing condition that is caused by inhaling airborne substances at work. If you are regularly exposed to such substances at work, also known as ‘asthmagens,’ you can start developing symptoms of occupational asthma. These symptoms can affect you suddenly or develop slowly over a longer period of time. With the right safety precautions in place, exposure to asthmagens can be limited, protecting you from developing occupational asthma. Workplaces should be well ventilated, and you should be provided with adequate PPE and plenty of breaks away from the work floor. Your asthma might be more noticeable while you are at work, as you are exposed to asthmagens triggering your symptoms. Away from work, for example while you are on holiday, your symptoms can often start to fade. It might not always be immediately clear if your asthma is occupational, and if you would be entitled to compensation for your condition.
What is mesothelioma?
Mesothelioma is a rare type of cancer caused by asbestos exposure. Malignant mesothelioma is often fatal. Although continuous exposure to asbestos is most likely to cause mesothelioma, even a single asbestos fibre is enough to cause this deadly disease. Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, which is the protective lining found around all the internal organs of the body. This disease damages the pleura (lining) around the lungs and as a result causes breathing difficulties. Pleural mesothelioma is incredibly painful. In rare cases, mesothelioma can also affect the abdominal cavity and areas around the heart, which will likely lead to other serious health issues. Peritoneal mesothelioma is also possible, which is when the lining of the abdomen is affected. Where your mesothelioma has been caused by exposure to asbestos at work, it is important to get the justice you and your loved ones deserve. Asbestos compensation after death UK is also something that family members could claim.
Symptoms of mesothelioma are often hard to identify in its early stages because the damage to your lungs doesn’t become apparent until years or even decades after you’ve been exposed to asbestos. Some of the warning signs you should watch out for are:
- Pleural effusions (commonly called water on the lungs) which has a range of symptoms including chest pain, difficulty taking deep breaths, a fever and/or persistent hiccups
- Dyspnoea, also known as difficulty breathing
- Dry cough or wheezing
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Abdominal pain
Sadly, people often think that they are suffering from asbestosis symptoms when they are actually dealing with mesothelioma.
Claiming mesothelioma compensation
Mesothelioma compensation for family members UK is something that can be claimed after death. It is important to know that you will be able to claim compensation even if the exposure to asbestos was decades ago, and the company where your loved one worked has since gone out of business.