Mesothelioma FAQ | asbestos claims | Francis Hanna & Co Solicitors

At Francis Hanna & Co our mesothelioma solicitors have obtained hundreds of thousands of pounds in judgements and settlements on behalf of clients throughout Northern Ireland. If you have been recently diagnosed with mesothelioma, asbestosis, or another asbestos-related disease, you may be entitled to financial compensation pain and suffering together with any other financial losses you have or will have in the future because of your condition.

We handle mesothelioma claims involving asbestos products and occupational asbestos exposures. Below we have compiled a list of common questions you may have if you have suffered because of exposure to asbestos.

The principal cause of mesothelioma is exposure to asbestos, a mineral fibre widely used in the early to mid–twentieth century by manufacturers and builders. When inhaled, asbestos fibres can travel deep into the lungs. The fibres accumulate and irritate the mesothelial tissue that lines the organ-containing cavities of the body. Over time, the constant irritation can cause mesothelioma to develop.

How much asbestos exposure can result in mesothelioma?

Though typically it takes years of continued asbestos exposure to cause health problems, significant evidence shows that even low to moderate exposure to asbestos fibres can cause mesothelioma and other asbestos-related diseases. Since these illnesses often take years, even decades, to manifest, it is hard to gauge original levels of exposure.

Who is at risk for asbestos exposure?

Those at greatest risk for asbestos exposure are people who worked in the asbestos, construction, and shipbuilding industries. Millions of other people have suffered exposure to asbestos due to use of or exposure to the 3000 products known to contain asbestos.

How long after exposure to asbestos will mesothelioma appear?

Because the latency period (the time between exposure to asbestos fibres and the appearance of the disease's symptoms) for mesothelioma may range from 15 to 50 years, victims who were exposed to products containing asbestos decades ago may only now be experiencing the harmful effects.

What is the typical prognosis for those diagnosed with mesothelioma?

The prognosis for a patient with mesothelioma is determined by many factors, including the stage, size, and location of the tumour, the type of mesothelioma cells, and the patient's overall health. Generally, the life expectancy of patients with advanced mesothelioma is one to two years.

What should people do if diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease?

Victims should follow all of their doctors' instructions. Because victims may be entitled to compensation for their injuries, they should also contact our offices for a free consultation with one of our partners, Mr Martin Hanna. One of the most important things to do is to instruct a firm of solicitors to take a comprehensive statement dealing with the person's occupational exposure history to asbestos. This is vitally important as this statement can be used in any subsequent case to prove the exposure history in the event that the victim is medically unable to give evidence when their case comes to trial or in the event that they have passed away.

Does the law limit how long victims have to pursue justice?

Yes, in Northern Ireland a claim MUST be instigated within three years from the date the symptoms first manifested themselves. Our advice is not to delay in contacting us for a free consultation as to whether you have a possible claim for compensation. We will attend at a victim's home for the purposes of taking instructions. This is a service that we always provide to mesothelioma sufferers and it is free of charge.

Our Mesothelioma Solicitors

One of our partners, Mr Martin Hanna has the knowledge and experience necessary to obtain the maximum compensation possible if you or a loved one has been injured because of exposure to asbestos. They will protect your rights and provide expert guidance through the legal process.