Last Updated on February 25, 2025 by tanya

High Risk Illness For Ship Workers

 

Claim For Asbestos Related Conditions Which Surface Years Later

 

Considered a high risk illness for ship workers, asbestos related conditions are still a cause of concern following historical asbestos use. Asbestos was widely used in shipbuilding and maintenance, but has since been banned.

However, workers still remain at risk as asbestos related illnesses may only appear decades later. This means workers may only be experiencing symptoms now. Affected workers and their families may want to obtain compensation for harm caused by asbestos exposure.

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos related condition through no fault of your own, First Personal Injury may be able to help you.

 

 Why Asbestos is Still a Risk

 

Asbestos was widely used for its heat-resistant and insulating properties. As a result it became a standard material in engine rooms, boiler rooms, pipes, and bulkheads of ships. The risks remain due to:

 

Legacy Asbestos in Older Ships: Many vessels built before the ban still contain asbestos, particularly those undergoing maintenance, repairs, or decommissioning.

Disturbance During Shipbreaking and Repairs: When workers cut, drill, or remove asbestos-containing materials, fibres become airborne, increasing the risk of inhalation.

Poor Awareness and Safety Compliance: Despite regulations, some employers may not adhere strictly to asbestos control measures, increasing exposure risks for workers.

Secondary Exposure: Workers may unknowingly carry asbestos fibres home on their clothing, exposing family members.

 

Given these factors, dockyard workers remain at risk of developing asbestos-related conditions decades after their initial exposure.

 

Symptoms of Asbestos-Related Conditions

 

Asbestos exposure can lead to several serious conditions, often with a long latency period – typically 20-50 years. Workers should be vigilant for the following symptoms:

 

Asbestosis

• Shortness of breath
• Persistent cough
• Chest tightness or pain
• Fatigue
• Finger clubbing (enlarged fingertips)

 

Mesothelioma (a type of cancer)

• Chest or abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fluid buildup in the lungs

 

Lung Cancer

• Persistent cough
• Coughing up blood
• Hoarseness
• Recurring chest infections
• Unexplained weight loss

 

Pleural Thickening & Pleural Plaques

• Chest pain
• Breathlessness (if severe)
• Restricted lung function

 

Workers experiencing any of these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. It is comforting to know that early diagnosis can improve treatment options and eligibility for compensation.

 

Time Limits for Asbestos Claims

 

UK law imposes strict time limits for making asbestos-related personal injury claims. Generally, claimants have three years from either:

 

• The date of diagnosis of an asbestos-related condition.
• The date they first became aware that their condition was linked to asbestos exposure (if later than the diagnosis date).

For families of deceased victims, the three-year limit applies from the date of death, or the date they received confirmation that asbestos exposure caused the death. If the deadline is missed, claims may still be possible in exceptional circumstances.

 

How to Claim for Personal Injury

 

If you have been diagnosed with an asbestos-related condition, you may be eligible for compensation. A key factor is identifying where and when asbestos exposure occurred. This can be gathered from employment records, witness statements from former colleagues and shipyard safety records.

A medical diagnosis is required to confirm the asbestos-related illness, which may involve chest x-rays, CT scans and lung function tests. Compensation claims may be made against former employers.

 

If you are considering filing a compensation claim for you or a loved one, First Personal Injury can be your first port of call to advise you on what to do next.  We work with expert lawyers who operate on a No Win, No Fee basis, ensuring you get the support you need without financial risk. Call us at 0333 3582345 or contact us online.