The dangers of exposure to the various types of asbestos have been known about for many years.

Alarmingly, it is estimated that about 3,000 people currently die each year, as a result of
asbestos exposure, and that this figure will increase to 10,000 deaths each year in the early part
of the 21 st Century.

There are 4 main types of asbestos related conditions, most of which are not (in themselves)
fatal.

Pleural Plagues

This causes a thickening of the outer layer of the pleura (a thin, transparent membrane which
covers the lungs and lines the inside of the chest walls), and usually takes at least 10 years to
develop. In addition, there is likely to be some calcification, which can take up to 20 years to
develop. In the case of Pleural Plagues, there are usually small areas of pleural scarring. Due to
the fact that this condition is usually symptomless, it is usually only detected during routine chest
x-rays, and it is not in itself dangerous. However, it may cause genuine concern to the sufferer,
who may fear an increased risk of developing a more serious condition (such as Mesothelioma).

Diffuse Pleural Thickening

This is similar to Pleural Plagues (see above) but the area of the lung affected by the pleural
scarring is larger.

Asbestosis

If asbestos dust scars the lung tissues, then this can result in fibrosis, and a restriction in lung
function. Usually, it takes about 20 years for this condition to develop. It cannot be cured, but once
identified it symptoms can sometimes be prevented from getting worse. Again, those diagnosed
with this condition may also fear an increased risk of developing the more serious condition,
Mesothelioma.

Mesothelioma

This is a type of cancer, the most common cause of which is exposure to asbestos dust (usually
blue or brown asbestos). Mercifully, only a relatively small percentage of those exposed to
asbestos dust develop this condition, although it can take an average of 30 years to develop. It
is often fatal, with the average time between diagnosis and death being an average of 18 months.

Those diagnosed with this condition should seek immediate legal advice with regards to making
a claim, as compensation maybe payable to them and their dependants. Alternatively, even if a
person passes away before they can make a claim themselves, their dependants or family
members may still be able to pursue a claim on behalf of the estate. Again, time limits apply,
and so legal advice should be sought as quickly as possible.

We can help advise you in relation to all of the above conditions.

Most people suffer from some form of stress in their job. It is a part of everyday life that most
people simply have to learn to live with. Some people even claim to thrive under stress !

However, if a worker becomes ill through stress caused at work, and is diagnosed with a
recognised psychiatric condition (such as acute anxiety; depression or post traumatic stress
disorder) they may be unable to work, and it may have a devastating effect on their lives with jobs
and relationships put under pressure.

The law in this area is constantly changing. Recent decisions have indicated that employers may
only be liable to pay their workers compensation for stress caused at work, if they could
reasonably have foreseen that a particular worker was at risk (for example if they knew that they
had a history of suffering from stress at work). However, every decided case turns very much on
its own facts.

Workers suffering from stress at work should seek medical and legal advice immediately, being
sure that any legal advice is obtained within the necessary time limits (see Common Questions).