GA Sees Continued Rise In Asbestos Claims
In recent months GA Solicitors has seen a significant increase in the number of cases linked to asbestos-related illnesses and deaths. GA partner and President of the Plymouth Law Society, James Walsh, believes there could be more done to raise awareness of the life changing disease.
As the head of the asbestos and industrial disease department at GA, James is aware it can take many years following exposure to asbestos before victims suffer the debilitating symptoms of breathlessness and potential threat to life. His experience in the sector spans nearly 30 years and during this time he has handled hundreds of asbestos claims.
What Is Asbestos?
Asbestos was widely used in public buildings and ships during the ’60s, ‘70s and ‘80s largely due to its insulation and fire-retardant properties. However, it was banned in the UK in 1986 after it was linked to a range of devastating illnesses. By that point, however, millions of people had been exposed to asbestos and the damage had already been done.
There are six different kinds of asbestos, but the three most commonly used in the UK were blue asbestos, brown asbestos and white asbestos. These are also known as ‘crocidolite’, ‘amosite’, and ‘chrysotile’ respectively. The 1986 ban only prevented the use of blue and brown asbestos however, as a ban on white asbestos didn’t come in until 1992. Unfortunately, this ban didn’t cover all kinds of white asbestos and a comprehensive ban didn’t come in until 1999 when both the use and import were prohibited.
Asbestos Compensation Claims At GA Solicitors
James Walsh and the GA team have been working closely with a number of victims who have been affected after exposure to asbestos, but it is believed that there are many more still to come forward. Shockingly, a number of these individuals didn’t actually work closely with asbestos themselves; other family members did. Included within our casework are the families of those who have already passed away from asbestos-induced mesothelioma. Here’s what some have said: (names withheld)
“We were lucky to find GA Solicitors and particularly James Walsh who personally handled this claim. Throughout several meetings, phone calls and correspondence, James was always courteous, sympathetic and extremely efficient.”
Client ‘A’
“Very sadly we needed to pursue a claim for the devastating effects of mesothelioma on my mother’s husband. We used GA Solicitors and in particular James Walsh. We were very pleased with the results and I would unhesitatingly recommend his services.”
Client ‘B’
James and his team of specialist asbestos claim solicitors understand these very specific situations and are both empathetic and effective. They are looking to help others who have found themselves in similar situations and, with this in mind, are keen to speak to as many people as possible who either worked in Devonport, Portsmouth, or Chatham dockyards in the 1960s to 1980s.
It should be stressed that if you have previously settled a pleural plaque claim, but have now developed a more serious asbestos disease (such as pleural thickening, asbestosis, lung cancer or mesothelioma) you may, subject to conditions, still be entitled to reopen your case to seek further damages.
Above all, we look to use the law to fight for the rights of those who have been affected by the use of asbestos. Not just for the suffering of the individuals themselves, but also for their families who have been greatly impacted as well.
With claims starting from £14,000 for asbestos-related diseases such as pleural thickening, you can benefit from a life-changing amount of money by making an asbestos claim. James has had numerous asbestos cases settle in the last year which were valued in excess of £150,000. You can also request early payments to fund any necessary care, equipment or adaptations to your home. This may include stair lifts or walk in showers to improve your quality of life and provide respite for any carers.
To find out what your claim could be worth, contact the Asbestos Claims team today.
All content on this website (inclusive of guides, blogs and imagery) is strictly copyrighted by Gill Akaster LLP, trading as GA Solicitors. It is not to be used by any third party without prior contact and permission. Any requests for content should be sent to katy.mckenna@GAsolicitors.com.