Mesothelioma Compensation in the uk: Mesothelioma, also called malignant pleural mesothelioma, is an aggressive and deadly cancer affecting the lining of the lungs and chest wall. It’s generally caused by exposure to asbestos in the past, but it can also develop from other sources of asbestos-like fibers such as cement or fiberglass dust. Mesothelioma has no cure, but there are treatments available that can help manage symptoms and prolong life while also holding down treatment costs, which can quickly eat up your compensation payouts. Learn more about mesothelioma compensation in the UK today.
What is Mesothelioma?
Asbestos was a popular material used in building and manufacturing, until it was discovered that it causes cancer. This disease, mesothelioma, is caused by the inhalation of asbestos fibers. If you think you have been exposed to asbestos and are experiencing symptoms like a cough, chronic chest pain or difficulty breathing, then you may have mesothelioma.
Types of claims
There are two types of compensation claim that you can file, as well as a third option. They are personal injury claims and fatal accident claims. A personal injury claim is for people who have been harmed by someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, but did not die from it. A fatal accident claim is made when someone has died because someone else was negligent or had done something wrong.
The amount you can claim
The mesothelioma compensation payouts can be anywhere from £10,000 up to £100,000 depending on how severe your condition is and whether you are entitled to any other compensation. A person’s age at diagnosis and the severity of their symptoms are also taken into consideration. The average mesothelioma compensation payout for those who have been diagnosed with a less serious form of the disease will be around £40,000-£50,000.
The symptoms and side effects
As mesothelioma progresses, symptoms can become more pronounced and may include shortness of breath, chest pain, coughing, fever, and weight loss. These are just some of the symptoms that can occur with this disease. Mesothelioma treatments vary depending on the individual’s diagnosis. A few treatment options are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or surgery. If you have been diagnosed with this disease, it is important to contact a doctor as soon as possible so they can start you on a treatment plan right away.
When do you need to make your claim?
Claims need to be made within 3 years from when you knew or reasonably should have known about your asbestos exposure. The law is different for children who did not know about their exposure until they were 18, as they must make their claim before their 31st birthday.
The length of time you’ve had mesothelioma will also affect when you should make your claim.
What if it’s been more than three years?
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland you will have three years from the date your symptoms began or your diagnosis was given to make a claim. However, if it has been over three years since your symptoms started then you may still be able to make a claim if you can show that you reasonably had no idea at the time that there was a connection between your exposure and their illness.
Other ways to claim compensation
If you are a United Kingdom resident and have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, then there are several ways that you can claim compensation. It is important to understand what your rights are so that you can make an informed decision about how best to pursue this course of action.
The value of second opinions on your case
One of the first things that you should do when filing a mesothelioma compensation claim is get a second opinion on your case. You don’t want to end up filing a claim and then learning that you could have gotten more money. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, especially if it costs little or nothing to get a second opinion. And if your doctor has said there’s no chance for recovery, getting another doctor’s opinion can be very helpful.
