While the major reason for filing a lawsuit related with asbestos exposure is severe conditions like lung cancer or other fatal diseases, there are lots of people struggling from other types of asbestos-related diseases and don’t even know that they can request financial compensation for this.. A big group of such victims have COPD diagnosis.
COPD is the term that unites conditions caused by lung destruction due to inhaling asbestos dust. This group of diseases includes chronic bronchitis, emphysema and other. Such conditions progress in time and the patient gets only worse. This leads to the problems with breathing, limitation of life activity, distress, depression and serious medical expenses. There is no clear statement that COPD and asbestos are connected with no other possible reasons. The risk group for this condition is smokers and people inhaling various organic and mineral dust types besides asbestos. However, this doesn’t mean that there is no way to file a claim for receiving financial compensation. If you know that you were exposed to asbestos and can prove this in documentary form, the process will be smooth and effective. However, the help of a professional attorney always increase the chances for satisfying your requirements in the court. The experienced lawyer of the defendant may do their best to reject your demands.
In Great Britain the size of compensation awarded to such claimants is about £10 000, if there are no serious symptoms and limitation to an ordinary life. If there are severe complications that cause lung dysfunction or limiting the ability to work and earn money for living, the amount of compensation may grow up to several times. As a rule, asbestos and COPD cases have occupational character. This means the health problems are caused by asbestos exposure at work place. There is a period of 3 years after diagnosing the disease when you can file a compensational claim. The diagnosis must be confirmed by a doctor and documented properly. It also must be stated that the current disease might have been caused by the exposure of asbestos (or other dangerous agent). With this on hand you can lay claim to get money from your employer.
There are more complicated case that requires deeper preparations and clarifications, and here there is no way to succeed except hiring a professional lawyer. The compensation may cover the expenses for medical treatment, stress, pains and other disadvantages of living with such disease. A lot of attorney firms practice taking zero fees for their services, if you do not win the case. Moreover, there is a chance to find an attorney who offers payment in advance. An attorney may require medical examination and some other procedures that are needed for your specific case. All these terms are listed in contract, so read it carefully before agreeing to hire an attorney. In cases where the connection between COPD and asbestos cannot be proved, a lawyer may offer other options for satisfying your demands. Perhaps there is a solution that may bring you compensation.