Asbestos poisoning is a very serious issue, more serious than many people realise. Asbestosis is responsible for more work related deaths in the UK than any other type of work related accident or disease. It is said that six joiners die every week from asbestos poisoning. If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis within the last three years, you may be able to make an asbestos claim and sue the company that you were working for. In fact nowadays more and more people are making claims for asbestosis than ever before. In 1991 there were over 700 claims where asbestos was cited as the primary cause of illness. By 2004 that number had risen to over 1800 claims as more and more people discover they have asbestosis.

The seriousness of asbestos poisoning is also demonstrated by the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) launching their 'Asbestos - the hidden killer' campaign. This campaign, which is aimed at tradesmen who may be at risk, is to raise awareness of the dangers of asbestosis and ultimately save lives. There are safety procedures that can be followed in order to help reduce risks and this campaign also seeks to educate people in these methods. This campaign, which is now being rolled out nationally, was trialled in the North West and proved highly successful. It is hoped that this success can be repeated across the UK.

The campaign comprises of various advertising and public relations elements in order to target as many tradesmen and businesses as possible. There will be adverts on major radio stations and in the national press. Adverts will also appear in trade magazines in order to appeal directly to their target audience. Campaign materials, such as posters and fliers, will also be sent out to plumbers, electricians, joiners and other tradesmen. A number of case studies are also being developed at a national level which will then be used to help inform those that need to be aware of the risks of working with or in the vicinity of asbestos.

If you have been diagnosed with asbestosis, or mesothelioma, and wish to make an asbestos claim, there are certain things that you should know and do. The first thing that you need to do is approach a specialist claims company who have experience in asbestos claims. It is best to make sure that the company you approach is a member of the Association of Personal Injury Lawyers (APIL). A company that specialises in such claims will have experience and knowledge of previous asbestos claims that have made it to court.

Many companies will be able to manage your asbestos claim at no cost to yourself. Any fees that they charge will be recovered from the party that is at fault. The compensation that you receive from such a claim will vary according to the severity of your condition and depending on the circumstances surrounding your claim. Typical settlement amounts can be quite large however; many are upward of £100,000. Most companies will also ensure that you receive 100% of the compensation amount that you claim for.