Asbestosis

Asbestosis is the permanent scarring (fibrosis) of lung tissue. It is usually associated with frequent exposure to and inhalation of asbestos dust and asbestos fibres. The asbestos fibres become lodged in the lungs after being inhaled from the air. The fibrosis causes the lungs to shrink, stiffen, lose their elasticity and become restricted. This can result in breathlessness and a cough. Asbestosis can take some time to develop and show itself - often twenty or thirty years after the start of the exposure.

Asbestosis can range in severity from "mild" asbestosis, which causes little, if any, impairment, all the way to "severe" asbestosis, which can be disabling and eventually fatal. It usually is diagnosed after a physical examination, a chest x-ray and/or CT scan and a breathing test and is also referred to as interstitial fibrosis, parenchymal fibrosis, asbestosis, pneumoconiosis.

It is not possible to cure asbestosis. However there are medications which can ease the symptoms. Asbestosis often worsens over time with some developing a cancer such as lung cancer or mesothelioma.

Our specialist lawyers have have dealt with many asbestosis compensation claims. They also regularly represent families at inquests where there is a suspicion that their loved one may have died as a result of an industrial disease and they want to find out what happened.