Receiving a cancer diagnosis is often a very scary and stressful experience for the patient and their loved ones. 

The development of a lot of types of cancer is simply an unfortunate, blameless incident. However, cancer can sometimes develop due to negligent behaviour. Lung cancer, in particular, could develop due to exposure to harmful chemicals or substances in the workplace. Asbestos exposure, in particular, is a common cause of work-related lung cancer. If you believe that your employer did not put adequate protections in place to ensure your safety in the workplace, which has led to the development of lung cancer then you may be able to claim compensation. 

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online. 

Asbestos in The Workplace

The risk of developing lung cancer increases in direct proportion to the amount of asbestos you have been exposed to. Therefore, even if you have been exposed to other substances which increase the risk of developing lung cancer, such as cigarette smoke, asbestos could have worsened the problem. While there is no medical way to determine whether your cancer was caused by asbestos or other risk factors, the fact that your risk was increased by asbestos exposure is enough to suggest a correlation and to make a claim. However, if you did engage in behaviour which would increase the risk of developing lung cancer, such as smoking, this may reduce the amount of compensation you are entitled to. 

Your employer should have provided you with the correct personal protective equipment (PPE) for your job role to ensure your safety and to limit your exposure to substances like asbestos. Engineers, roofers, electricians, cement plant workers, as well as other job roles, are all somewhat at risk of coming into contact with asbestos on certain contracts. Therefore, your employer should have provided you with PPE and other protective measures such as training if you were at risk. 

Amount of Compensation for Work-Related Lung Cancer

Compensation is determined on an individual basis, taking into account the specific details of the case. However, there are certain estimations that can be made about how much compensation you could be owed based upon how the asbestos related cancer has impacted upon your life. Compensation will take into account the severity of the cancer itself and any psychological impact that this may have had. 

Compensation specifically for the pain and suffering caused by lung cancer is often between £53,000 and £96,000. However, this is a very rough estimate and each case will be assessed on an individualistic basis. 

However, compensation will also take into account other costs related to the cancer and asbestos exposure. For example, if you have had to or will have to pay for certain treatment or procedures, such as a hospice then you could be compensated for this. If you have loss income due to being unable to do your job anymore, then compensation could cover this as well. To find out more speak to usto determine how much compensation you could be owed based upon how your diagnosis has impacted your life and future.  

Lung Cancer Caused by Asbestos

If your employer has not taken the necessary steps to protect your safety and you were exposed to asbestos, then you could be eligible to make a claim. In order to pursue a claim for compensation for asbestos-related lung cancer, you must highlight that you were heavily exposed to asbestos dust. Mesothelioma is a type of lung cancer that is exclusively caused by exposure to asbestos dust but all other types of lung cancer could be caused by other factors. 

Therefore, the Helsinki criteria is used to determine whether asbestos dust has contributed to the development of lung cancer. It is understood that the asbestos dust must be to the level of 25 fibre/ml must have occurred for the lung cancer to be related to asbestos. This is roughly equivalent to an exposure of asbestos dust for one year or five to ten years of less severe asbestos dust exposure – which could happen if you were a carpenter working with materials involving asbestos. 

Making Personal Injury Claims

You may be entitled to compensation for a range of compensation claims under accident claims. Our experts will help assess your potential claim going forwards and provide you with proficient advice.

Contact First Personal Injury to discuss your potential compensation claim today by ringing 0333 358 2345 or by filling out the online claims form.

To learn more or to start your claim, get in touch with our expert team on 0800 808 9740 or contact us online.