Asbestos is a highly poisonous substance which can cause cancer in people who are exposed to it. It was widely used as a heat resistant material from the 1930’s onwards and had many different uses. Although it is and always has been a very dangerous material, it was not discovered until quite recently, so was in frequent use right up until the 1980’s. Since it was such a widely used substance it is common to find it in a lot of old structures, and even some newer ones, people who find and disturb it can become poisoned by it, and can make a claim against the person who put it there in the first place as it is a life threatening substance. You can make asbestos claims years after the exposure happened, there are recorded cases of people taking out and winning compensation claims 30 years after first exposure.

Although asbestos exposure is serious, it effects are not often felt for a long time, meaning that it is possible to make a claim 30 years after coming into contact with the substance. It is possible to claim compensation on behalf of a deceased loved one if they suffered due to exposure.

If a claimant wants go to court with a business, which has since they went out of business it’s still able to put through a valid compensation claim, as asbestos exposure is seen as a severe threat.

People who worked with asbestos often brought their work clothes home covered in asbestos fibres, because of this anyone who was living in the same home, be it spouse, child or grandchild, can make a compensation claim.

These secondary claims are just as common as first hand claims, and are treated with the same amount of seriousness.

People who have been exposed to asbestos can get a rare but serious form of cancer called Mesothelioma. This cancer affects the lining of the lungs, heart and abdominal cavity.

Mesothelioma is a very rare form of cancer which affects the lining of the lung, abdominal cavity or heart. This disease is caused by breathing in fibres of asbestos, and in many cases does not appear until 20-50 years after exposure.

The people at risk of asbestos poisoning include those who worked with it when it was once used, and those who have come into contact with it since. Asbestos claims can often pay out amounts exceeding 100,000, with the help of a specialist solicitor and it is also possible to get state benefits for asbestos exposure.

Jo Wilson is an expert in accident claims. If you would like further information about asbestos claims or are searching for a trusted asbestos law firm please visit http://personalinjury.ffw.com