Archive for the 'Asbestos news' Category

We are all aware of the dangers that Asbestos Exposure can produce, and, hard as it is to swallow, many companies still have not sought the right information as to how to treat the problem, leaving their staff, tenants and clients exposed to its threats.

However, would you know where to begin in making a compensation claim if you fell into this category?

Pinto Potts Solicitors are well averse in knowledge surrounding claims from Asbestos Exposure and are keen to help you discover how to make a claim.

They have had significant experience in providing legal attention and care for those that have previously suffered as a result of Asbestos Exposure and have afforded themselves a high success rate when it comes to claiming compensation for victims.

Making a claim is easy – simply get in touch with the team at Pinto Potts Solicitors, who extend a No Win No Fee Policy to those who have not been provided either the correct equipment to deal with Asbestos or who have been failed by their employer in keeping their work force safe.

You can find out more about the company who have helped recover over £100million in personal injury claims by calling 0800 316 4434 – and their dedicated team of experts will help you through the rest.

Over £4m injury claims compensation has been paid out by Manchester Council in the last two years, with the majority on claims for slips, trips and falls.

Recently released figures show the Council paid out on 353 claims in 2009/2010, with an average settlement figure of £5,159.

The majority of cases brought against the Council were for personal injury claims, such as slips and trips on the public highway, accidents in the workplace and industrial disease claims.

The highest sum paid out was £175,170 to a former employee who had contracted Mesothelioma, a fatal illness contracted from past exposure to asbestos.

Anyone working with asbestos should be provided with the correct safety equipment to ensure they are not exposed to the harmful substance.

If an employer fails in its duty of care by exposing workers to dangers such as asbestos there is a high liklehood they will be faced with a compensation claim if the employee becomes unwell.

It is essential that anyone looking to make a claim against a Council seeks professional legal advice. Especially as many Councils have a policy of robustly defending all claims brought against them, this means it is critical claimants have someone with considerable experience handling their case.

Pinto Potts Solicitors are specialist personal injury lawyers with many years experience handling cases against Councils and Local Authorities, some examples of the most common types of claims we have won are:

• Trips on uneven or broken pavements and kerbs
• Slips on floors in Council buildings (Leisure Centres, Community Buildings)
• Injuries to Council workers while carrying out their job
• Road accidents involving Council vehicles

If you, a friend, colleague or family member have been injured and want to discuss making a claim for compensation you can call Pinto Potts Solicitors in the strictest confidence on 0800 316 4434.

You will be able to speak directly to a fully qualified Solicitor for immediate advice about making a claim and find out about obtaining private medical treatment to ensure the quickest and most thorough recovery from the injuries sustained.

What causes Asbestosis?

Asbestos is a fibrous mineral that occurs naturally, it can often be found in the materials used for insulation around tanks and pipes, in tiles and in other building materials.

Asbestos was used extensively in the 1970s because of its heat resistance and strength.

White, blue and brown asbestos are all potentially dangerous and have been banned in the UK.

When asbestos is damaged, the fine fibres become airborne and can be inhaled.

When asbestos fibres are inhaled the fibres penetrate the lung tissue which triggers an inflammatory reaction. The body identifies a problem and sends white blood cells as a defense to attack the fibres.

The fibres will usually resist the attack and destroy the white blood cells, this causes further inflammation and scarring of the lungs, called fibrosis.

There is no known safe level of exposure to asbestos. However, it’s thought the higher the levels of asbestos and the longer the time someone is exposed to it, the greater their risk of developing problems.

Pinto Potts have specialist Solicitors and Legal Executives who specialise in making personal injury compensation claims for people whose lives have been affected by asbestosis and exposure to asbestos.

Asbestos compensation claims are handled on a no fee basis and clients always keep 100% of their compensation award.

For free immediate legal advice about making a claim call in total confidence on 0800 316 4434.

A former shipyard worker has received £70,000 following a compensation claim after he was diagnosed with asbestos related cancer mesothelioma.

Asbestos Claims – Asbestos was formally regarded as a wonder substance due to its heat resistant properties. Regrettably exposure to asbestos has also caused large numbers of people to suffer from disabling and life threatening medical conditions. Since the 1930s it has been recognised that asbestos was capable of causing disease, and you can claim compensation in some cases.

Despite this the wide spread use of asbestos did not cease until the 1980s and exposure to asbestos still continues whenever and wherever it is removed. Asbestos exposure causes five main medical conditions.

These are;

By Kevin Valler

Pleural Plaques are areas of scarring on the lungs caused by asbestos exposure. It is recognised that the scarring does not normally lead to symptoms of breathlessness. It does however have an associated risk of more serious asbestos related conditions such as Pleural Thickening, Asbestosis, Lung Cancer, and Mesothelioma. As a result people diagnosed with Pleural Plaques often suffer with serious levels of anxiety.

A man has been awarded £165,000 in compensation after being exposed to asbestos when he worked for British Airport Authorities (BAA).

The man worked as a maintenance fitter and boiler house supervisor at Heathrow Airport for 30 years, from 1969 to 1999.