Exposure to asbestos can lead to serious illnesses such as asbestosis, lung cancer and mesothelioma, which is a type of cancer of the membranes in the thoracic and abdominal cavities. There are not many modern structures now that have asbestos, but many years ago, this mineral was used in a variety of products such as plastic, paper products, and even floor tiles.
There are many who have filed a lawsuit against their former employers after they have been diagnosed with asbestos-related diseases. If you are looking to do the same thing, just follow the tips below to ensure that you will be able to follow the legal process correctly.
- If you know someone who might have been exposed to asbestos, look for the symptoms – it takes years for the effects of asbestos exposure to manifest itself, so pay close attention to the symptoms. If you or someone you know has been exposed to asbestos and experiences symptoms such as persistent coughing, tiredness, shortness of breath, chest and chest pains, these may all point to certain illnesses that result from asbestos exposure. Go to a physician right away to see if it is just a simple cough or something more serious.
- Get yourself diagnosed first – it would be hard to make a claim based on mere speculations. Once you see the signs, get a diagnosis right away so that you can start seeing your options should you want to make a claim to the company that is responsible for your exposure to asbestos.
- Make sure the statute of limitations has not yet expired – it might take a while to trace when and where the exposure to asbestos happened. This may make it a little difficult especially if there are different statutes of limitation for filing a lawsuit. You can do your research on the limit in your area or better yet, consult with a legal practitioner who can help you with the process.
- Speak to a solicitor who can give you advice – it’s important to get someone who is already an expert in the field of filing a lawsuit related to asbestos exposure. You want someone who will not only answer your questions but someone who has a lot of experience and who truly has your best interest at heart. You can find specialists in solicitors Bristol who can guide you through the whole process and assistance, from filing until the claim is successful.
- Be prepared for a long, complicated process – as previously stated, it can take years, even decades for the effects of asbestos to be seen in a person who has been exposed to it. Because of this, the process is more complicated than say, claiming insurance in an accident, where the two perpetrators are clearly stated. It can be complicated, especially if the company that is responsible for the exposure has stopped operating. Sadly, there are victims who pass away before the lawsuit ends, and the family will be the one to claim on behalf of the deceased, which further lengthens the process.
