Asbestos Related Disease
Shocking new statistics unveiled by the Health and Safety Executive show an increase in the number of people who have died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.
The figures released this week show more than 2,000 North East people died from the disease from 1985 to 2004.
The figure is increased from 1701 deaths from 1981 to 2000.
Additionally the statistics from the Mesothelioma Register show more women than ever are affected by the disease with 251 deaths during the period compared to 216.
Head of Asbestos Policy
Ian McFall, Head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: "These figures once again highlight the devastation asbestos has inflicted on people in the North East. Many of those affected worked in shipyards, factories or building sites and were given no protection or warning about the risks of asbestos exposure despite their employers being fully aware of the dangers.
"Although shocking, these figures come as no surprise given the widespread use of asbestos in the past. Sadly, the number of people who will die from this disease will continue to rise until 2020."
Mesothelioma
Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos dust and symptoms can first appear decades after the asbestos dust was inhaled. Many who are diagnosed with the disease die within months.
The figures show 1086 people in Tyne & Wear died from mesothelioma during 1985 to 2004, up from 932 during 1981 to 2000.
The number of deaths in Teesside rose from 320 to 424 during the same time period.
Asbestos disease diagnosis? Talk to us for advice and support on how to secure compensation.
If you or a loved one have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related disease, we can support you with advice on how to make a claim.
The process will be explained in plain English and with no obligation – our priority is to provide you with the best, expert advice on whether you have a valid case for compensation, and to signpost you to further sources of support.
There are strict time limits applied to making a claim – usually three years from the date of diagnosis. It doesn’t matter if the exposure to asbestos took place – as it often does – decades ago, the three year time limit applies to the date of knowledge of diagnosis or date of death.
For further information, visit our How to Make A Compensation Claim page.
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