If you’re worried about asbestos exposure at home, you may be entitled to claim compensation. Asbestos is a hazardous material that was once commonly used in building materials. It can cause serious health problems, including mesothelioma, lung cancer, and asbestosis. If you have been exposed to asbestos in your home, it is important to seek legal advice as soon as possible. We will also highlight how you can start a housing disrepair claim.
Understanding Asbestos and Its Risks
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that was widely used in construction and other industries due to its strength, heat resistance, and affordability. However, when asbestos-containing materials are disturbed or damaged, they can release tiny asbestos fibres into the air. These fibres, when inhaled, can become lodged in the lungs and over time, lead to severe health issues.
Identifying Asbestos in Your Home
Asbestos can be found in many areas of a home built or renovated before the year 2000. Common locations include:
- Insulation: Asbestos was often used in attic and wall insulation, as well as around pipes and boilers.
- Ceiling tiles and textured coatings: Many older ceilings contain asbestos materials, especially those with a textured or “popcorn” finish.
- Floor tiles and adhesives: Vinyl floor tiles and the adhesives used to install them frequently contained asbestos.
- Roofing materials: Asbestos cement was a common material for roofing shingles and tiles.
- Siding: Some older homes have asbestos cement siding.
It is important to note that asbestos is only harmful when its fibres are released into the air. If you suspect asbestos is present in your home, it’s crucial not to disturb it and to seek professional advice for safe identification and removal.
Health Risks Associated with Asbestos Exposure
Exposure to asbestos can lead to a range of serious health problems, including:
- Mesothelioma: This is a rare and aggressive cancer that affects the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart. It often has a long latency period, meaning symptoms may not appear for decades after exposure.
- Lung Cancer: Asbestos exposure significantly increases the risk of developing lung cancer, especially in smokers.
- Asbestosis: This is a chronic lung disease caused by scarring of the lung tissue due to asbestos fibres. It can cause shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
- Pleural Thickening: This condition involves the thickening of the lining of the lungs, which can restrict breathing and cause discomfort.
Who Can Make an Asbestos Claim?
You may be able to make an asbestos claim if you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease and you can demonstrate that your exposure to asbestos was due to the negligence of another party. This could include:
- Exposure at work: Many occupations involved working with asbestos, such as construction, shipbuilding, and manufacturing.
- At home exposure: If you were exposed to asbestos during DIY work or due to the presence of asbestos-containing materials in your home, you may be able to claim. Â
- Exposure through a family member: You might be able to claim if you were exposed to asbestos fibres brought home on a family member’s clothing who worked with asbestos.
- Exposure in a public building: Schools, hospitals, and other public buildings constructed before asbestos regulations may also contain asbestos materials, leading to potential exposure.
Gathering Evidence for Your Asbestos Claim
To support your asbestos claim, it’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to demonstrate the link between your asbestos exposure and the negligence of the responsible party. This evidence may include:
- Medical records: These will confirm your diagnosis and provide details about your health history.
- Employment records: If your exposure occurred at work, your employment records can help establish the link between your job and asbestos exposure.
- Witness statements: Statements from colleagues, family members, or others who can corroborate your exposure to asbestos can strengthen your claim.
- Photographs or videos: Visual evidence of the location where you were exposed to asbestos can be helpful.
- Documentation relating to the asbestos-containing materials: Any records or documentation relating to the presence of asbestos in your home or workplace can support your claim.
Making a Housing Disrepair Claim with National Claims
At National Claims, we recognise the profound impact that living in a state of disrepair can have on your physical and mental well-being. Whether you’ve been affected by persistent dampness and mould, endured the discomfort of a faulty heating system, or suffered due to structural deficiencies in your home, we believe you shouldn’t have to suffer in silence.
We recognise that every housing disrepair case is unique, and we’re here to offer you a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your specific situation. During this consultation, we’ll listen attentively to your experience, carefully review any evidence you have, and assess the potential strength of your claim. Our team will then connect you with a solicitor from our panel who specialises in housing disrepair claims, ensuring that you receive the expert legal representation needed to navigate the complexities of your case and pursue the compensation you are entitled to.
*Customers pay up to 25% (incl. VAT) of the amount recovered towards solicitor costs and if you cancel outside your cooling off period, you may be charged a fee.
Contact us today to speak to one of our claims agents who will be able to help you get started on your claim.
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