 A recent survey by The British Lung Foundation discovered that many buildings constructed or refurbished before 2000 could still contain asbestos.
Furthermore, one in ten workers stated that they felt under pressure to continue working when asbestos had been suspected. This has sent alarm bells ringing for Sara Hunt, a personal injury lawyer from Birmingham Personal Injury Team.
Hunt believes that a lack of awareness, results in workers ranging from plumbers to builders still being exposed to asbestos. Her concerns are just; especially as The British Lung Foundation Survey found that of the 399 tradesmen questioned, only 12% knew that asbestos could cause the disease mesothelioma – an asbestos related cancer.
Hunt explains this situation as concerning and people need more education in the matter, stating that “There remains a lack of awareness about the dangers of asbestos.”
Hunt has specialised in asbestos disease claims for five years and worries that people may have symptoms and not even know.
“People exposed to asbestos as long as 40 years ago might only now be developing asbestos-related conditions.”
This can become difficult to prove, as many companies that they worked for, may have been taken over or no longer exist, therefore specialist advice needs to be sought, if they want to make a claim. Hunt has led the asbestos team in her law firm, which has concluded in various high value settlements, and a Court of Appeal case. Updated on 05/08/2008
|