Asbestos-related Lung Cancer

Asbestos-related lung cancer compensation claims

Asbestos related lung cancer is, as the name suggests, cancer of the lungs which has been caused by breathing in asbestos dust. It has been known for many years that a heavy exposure to asbestos dust can cause this disease.

The amount of asbestos dust needed to cause lung cancer is similar, or even greater, than the amount needed to cause asbestosis.

It is a different disease from mesothelioma, which is a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by asbestos exposure. Any type of lung cancer can be caused by asbestos exposure.

Many people who have been exposed to asbestos dust have also smoked. Smoking is in fact the most common cause of lung cancer. There are no physical differences between a lung cancer caused by asbestos exposure and lung cancer caused by smoking.

What can we do for you?

In the past, doctors sometimes told patients that their lung cancer was caused by smoking and didn’t consider the possibility that it was caused by exposure to asbestos dust.

Until quite recently, most doctors would only accept that asbestos had caused the lung cancer if the person with the illness was also suffering from asbestosis. In fact, it is now known that the cancer causing chemicals in cigarette smoke react in some way with asbestos fibers to cause lung cancer. It means that someone who has both smoked cigarettes and been exposed to asbestos dust is much more likely to develop lung cancer than someone who has been just a smoker, or only exposed to asbestos dust.

If you have been exposed to a heavy dose of asbestos dust and smoke cigarettes the Court is likely to conclude that the lung cancer has been caused by the combined effect of the two substances. This means that you will recover compensation for your disease, although the Court may well reduce the compensation to reflect the fact that your smoking has also played a part in causing the condition.

What are the symptoms?

Sufferers from asbestos-related lung cancer can suffer persistent chest infections, increasing breathlessness, cough up bloodstained phlegm, suffer pain when coughing or taking a deep breath or suffer weigh loss or a change in a longstanding cough.

There is a risk of the cancer coming back, even after surgery, and a small risk of going on to develop other asbestos related conditions.

Treatments for lung cancer may include radiotherapy, chemotherapy and surgery.

Asbestos-related lung cancer cases are the most difficult kind of asbestos compensation claims to pursue through the Courts, and sufferers need expert advice on whether they can successfully pursue a claim.

We have acted for many clients in helping them win their compensation claim for asbestos-related lung cancer. If you are suffering from this illness then it is important that your solicitor has the expertise and experience to act on your behalf. Our Industrial Disease team can help you.

Making an asbestos compensation claim

For further information about how Pannone Solicitors can help you make a compensation claim for you, search our asbestos compensation claims page.

To arrange a free discussion with an asbestos compensation solicitor call us on 0800 0384 384. We are available whenever you need our assistance.

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