You don’t need a solicitor every day, but when you do, it’s crucial to know where to turn. Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors have, for over 47 years, been helping clients through the difficult times in their private lives. Our solicitors are widely recognised as some of the best in their field and are here for you whenever you need our advice and assistance. As one of London’s leading firms, we’re known for our genuine passion and commitment to securing justice. We’re never afraid to fight on behalf of our clients – we’ll always put you first. Our expertise lies in solving legal issues both in your personal and professional lives. Whether it’s advice about a family matter, an employment matter for you or your business, planning for the future, or resolving a dispute our specialist solicitors are always on hand to assist you. You can rely on our legal experts to take control of the situation and leave you free to focus on what really matters in your life. It only takes one call for our team to start assisting you and providing the reassurance and advice you need.
Help with Mesothelioma
Fighting For Your Rights.
At Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors, we understand about exposure to asbestos and the potential life-long hazards it can present. We can help with your legal claim and make a difference to your life and lives of your loved ones.
www.hja.net
What is mesothelioma?
This is a relatively rare form of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. It occurs in the lining of the lungs or, more unusually, in the abdomen or heart. Mesothelioma can be caused by minimal exposure to asbestos fibres. The condition currently cannot be cured but there are treatments available to extend and improve quality of life.
What is asbestos?
Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral that is mined from the ground. It is unique as it is the only mineral that can be woven into cloth. It can also be moulded into other forms such as sheeting, paper and rope. Asbestos is strong, flexible and fire resistant. Asbestos was often referred to as “the magic mineral”. Asbestos comes in three colours: blue, brown and white. Blue and brown asbestos fibres are considered more toxic to health than white fibres but white asbestos is still hazardous when inhaled. In the UK we predominantly used white asbestos. We have been told by numerous clients over the years that their employers said white asbestos was safe for them to use. This is wrong - all asbestos is potentially dangerous to health when the fibres are breathed in. Blue, brown and white asbestos can all cause mesothelioma, lung cancer, asbestosis, pleural thickening and pleural plaques. Asbestos was widely used in UK industry and construction from the 1900s. It was installed extensively as fireproofing and insulation throughout the 1960s to 1980s and can still be found in many buildings today.
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How was it used?
• Asbestos lagging can be found around pipework and boilers. Asbestos powder was mixed with water and applied as a paste. If the lagging deteriorates or is damaged, the fibres are released easily. Asbestos lagging was used extensively in hospitals, schools, factories, offices and other public buildings. • Asbestos was sprayed as fire insulation onto the steel girders and under floors of buildings. Blue asbestos was often used for this. • Asbestos insulating board was commonly used to make partitions and ceiling tiles. • Asbestos cement products were used to make roofs and wall cladding, as well as gutters and downpipes for rainwater drainage. • Asbestos was used to make friction materials such as brake and clutch linings. • Asbestos was used in many prefabricated school buildings and was also present in classrooms in the form of fire blankets, Bunsen burner mats and gauze. • Asbestos gloves and blankets were provided to welders and firefighters to shield them from sparks. • Asbestos rope was used as packing by plumbers and heating engineers. Many also cut boiler flues and backing plates made from asbestos products. • Asbestos was used to wrap electrical cable.
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Who is at risk?
Types of disease If someone develops an asbestos related disease, they will have it for life. Although no asbestos related disease will progress into another condition, it is possible to develop more than one asbestos related disease. The different conditions can cause different symptoms, ranging from barely noticeable to very serious. We set out some brief information about the legally recognised asbestos related conditions: Through our decades of handling mesothelioma claims, we understand the impact the illness can have on you and your family. In addition to obtaining compensation for any pain and suffering which the illness can cause, a successful claim can include private medical treatment, cover additional costs and replace any loss of income caused by the illness, both past and into the future. Our track record and experience of dealing with mesothelioma claims means you can rest assured you are in safe hands. Mesothelioma cases are complex and therefore it is important to seek legal advice at an early stage from lawyers who specialise in these claims. Our team is based in London and Liverpool but we work with clients nationwide to obtain compensation for mesothelioma. Our specialist lawyers will provide a free consultation and advice on your circumstances. If you have developed mesothelioma, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation against your former employer or whoever exposed you to asbestos. You may also be entitled to State benefits. We will explore all possible avenues with you and advise you on what we consider your best options are. Anyone exposed to asbestos dust is at risk of developing an asbestos related disease. The risk increases with the level of exposure, although even low level exposure is enough to create a risk. There is usually a long period between being exposed to asbestos and developing symptoms from a condition (10 to 60+ years). However, not everyone who has been exposed to asbestos will develop a disease. Family members may also have been exposed to asbestos fibres from contact with someone exposed to asbestos at work, or even from washing their clothes. Those who lived near an asbestos factory or who experienced other environmental exposure are also at risk. What can you do?
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Mesothelioma A type of cancer caused by exposure to asbestos fibres. All types of asbestos can cause this condition, which can develop decades after the exposure to asbestos. Even minimal exposure to asbestos puts someone at risk. Lung cancer Many lung cancers are caused by smoking but some are caused by exposure to asbestos. In order to prove that your lung cancer has been caused by exposure to asbestos, we need to show you have experienced a very high level of exposure to asbestos dust. We will assess whether, based on the evidence we gather in your claim, you have enough exposure to asbestos dust to prove that your lung cancer is more likely to be asbestos related than smoking related. Asbestosis This is the name for fibrosis of the lung caused by exposure to asbestos. The asbestos fibres that have been breathed in cause damage to the internal structure of the lungs, which in turn can restrict their function. Whilst lung fibrosis can have other causes, if it can be proven that there has been a very high level of exposure to asbestos dust, the fibrosis may be described as “asbestosis”. Asbestosis generally progresses slowly. Pleural thickening This is a thickening of the lining of the lung which can be caused by asbestos fibres, although not exclusively. The condition can cause a shortness of breath and can progress. Pleural thickening does not require particularly heavy exposure to asbestos. Pleural effusions These are accumulations of fluid in the lung lining, which can be due to past asbestos exposure, but can also be due to other medical conditions. Pleural effusions cause breathlessness but can be treated. Pleural plaques This is the least serious asbestos related condition and does not cause symptoms in most people. The condition is only caused by asbestos exposure. The law does not permit a claim to be brought in England and Wales for pleural plaques unless symptoms can be proven. However, it may be possible to claim in Scotland or Ireland in certain circumstances. You can contact the team on 0808 291 1557 or request a call back by visiting our website at www.hja.net . We can visit you at your home or any other location that is convenient for you, wherever you are based. Once we have discussed matters with you, we will advise you on your options. We will deal with and guide you through the legal process from start to finish and we will always do our best for you.
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When can you claim? The law normally requires that court proceedings are started within three years of when you are first told that you have an asbestos related disease, or within three years of the date of death of the injured person.
There are some limited exceptions to this rule, so if you are past the time limit please get in touch with our team to discuss furthe r.
“My husband certainly should not have died from something he encountered when he was so very young. Still seems unbelievable. You and your colleagues have done an excellent job for myself and my family. Thank you” Elizabeth Allen
What if my employer no longer exists? How much will it cost me? Most cases can be dealt with under a “no win, no fee” agreement. This means there is no financial risk to you in making a compensation claim. We don’t make any deductions for legal costs or expenses from the compensation awarded. When can you claim? This is a common problem but even if the company no longer exists, it is often possible to trace their insurers. We have an excellent track record of tracing the relevant insurers who will then deal with the claim. In a case of mesothelioma where neither the former employer nor their insurers can be traced, a claim can be made to the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme. We will prepare and submit this application for you. The law normally requires that court proceedings are started within three years of when you are first told that you have mesothelioma, or within three years of the date of death of the injured person. There are some limited exceptions to this rule, so if you are past the time limit please get in touch with our team to discuss matters further.
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What if my employer no longer exists?
This is a common problem but even if the company no longer exists, it is often possible to trace their insurers. We have an excellent track record of tracing the relevant insurers who will then deal with the claim. In a case of mesothelioma where neither the former employer nor their insurers can be traced, a claim can be made to the Diffuse Mesothelioma Payment Scheme. We will prepare and submit this application for you.
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Are any State benefits available? Are benefits available?
We will also advise you on State benefits you may be able to claim for your asbestos related condition, which can include: • Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) If you were exposed to asbestos at work as an employee, you may be entitled to this weekly payment. The amount you receive depends on your level of disability. We will also advise you on State benefits you may be able to claim for the mesothelioma condition, which can include: Industrial Injuries Disablement Benefit (IIDB) If you were exposed to asbestos at work as an employee, you may be entitled to this weekly payment. The amount you receive depends on your level of disability. • Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 This provides for a lump sum payment when you have been awarded IIDB. • Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This provides for a lump sum payment for people who have developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos dust in any way other than as an employee. Pneumoconiosis Etc. (Workers’ Compensation) Act 1979 This provides for a lump sum payment when you have been awarded IIDB. • War Pension Scheme If you were exposed to asbestos whilst serving in the Armed Forces, there are payments available, depending on your circumstances. You should contact The Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218. Diffuse Mesothelioma Scheme 2008 This provides for a lump sum payment for people who have developed mesothelioma as a result of exposure to asbestos dust in any way other than as an employee.
War Pension Scheme If you were exposed to asbestos whilst serving in the Armed Forces, there are payments available, depending on your circumstances. You should contact The Veterans UK Helpline on 0808 1914 218 .
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Depending on your disability and how it affects you in daily life, you may also be entitled to the following State benefits: Depending on your disability and how it affects you in daily life, you may also be entitled to the following State benefits: Personal Independence Payment (PIP) A benefit for people aged under 65. • Personal Independence Payment (PIP) A benefit for people aged under 65.
• Attendance Allowance
A benefit for people aged 65 or older. Attendance Allowance A benefit for people aged 65 or older. • Carer’s Allowance A benefit for a carer looking after a disabled person. Carer’s Allowance A benefit for a carer looking after a disabled person. • Blue Badge Scheme A disabled person’s parking badge.
Whilst receipt of these benefits is not dependent on your income, they could affect other benefits you may already be receiving. We will always check this for you. How making a compensation claim can help A successful claim not only will provide compensation for the asbestos condition and associated expenses but will also, in appropriate cases, enable a further claim to be brought should your condition deteriorate or you develop a more serious asbestos related condition. This can provide security where your future health may be uncertain. Blue Badge Scheme A disabled person’s parking badge. Whilst receipt of these benefits is not dependent on your income, they could affect other benefits you may already be receiving. We will always check this for you.
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How making a compensation claim can help?
What to do? If you have developed an asbestos related disease, you may be entitled to bring a claim for compensation against your former employer or whoever exposed you to asbestos. You may also be entitled to State benefits. We will explore all possible avenues with you and advise you on what we consider your best options are. Through our decades of handling asbestos disease claims, we understand the impact the illness can have on you and your family. In addition to obtaining compensation for any pain and suffering which the illness can cause, a successful claim can include private medical treatment, cover additional costs and replace any loss of income caused by the illness, both past and into the future. Our track record and experience of dealing with asbestos related claims means you can rest assured you are in safe hands. Knowing funding will be available for private medical treatment is enormously important to clients like Andrew who might not otherwise be able to pay for the treatment. Asbestos disease cases are complex and therefore it is important to seek legal advice at an early stage from lawyers who specialise in these claims. Due to an increased understanding of how the body reacts to the invasion of asbestos fibres and the availability of new drugs and therapies, there are now more treatment options than ever for those diagnosed with mesothelioma. Some treatments are available on the NHS but others are only available privately, often at huge expense. We will obtain expert medical evidence setting out the best options for you and ensure the cost of appropriate private treatment is included in any settlement of your claim. We are regularly settling mesothelioma claims which include a binding agreement with insurance companies to meet the cost of recommended private treatment in the future. In one such case, our client, Andrew Nicholson, won his claim against three former employers. Andrew received the standard NHS chemotherapy treatment which held his disease in abeyance for some time. However, when his mesothelioma progressed, his treating oncologist recommended immunotherapy. Andrew was initially able to access the drug free of charge by participating in a clinical trial. The results were almost immediate with Andrew’s condition improving dramatically after just two weeks of treatment. When he was no longer able to participate in the trial, he continued to receive private medical treatment at the insurers’ expense as a result of the settlement of his claim. Although Andrew did sadly pass away when his illness eventually progressed, having access to private healthcare allowed him to enjoy additional quality time with his family.
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Our team is based in London and Liverpool but we work with clients nationwide to obtain compensation for asbestos diseases. We will visit you at your home or any other location that is convenient for you. Once we have discussed matters with you, we will advise you on your options. We will deal with and guide you through the legal process from start to finish and we will always do our best for you. How much will it cost me? If the insurers have admitted legal fault, we can obtain an interim payment to meet the cost of private medical treatment whilst the claim is still ongoing. Most cases can be dealt with under a “no win, no fee” agreement. This means there is no financial risk to you in making a compensation claim. We don’t make any deductions for legal costs or expenses from the compensation awarded. Our specialist lawyers will provide a free consultation and advice on your circumstances. You can contact the team on 0808 291 1557 or request a call back by visiting our website at www.hja.net Despite insurers generally being reluctant to pay these significant medical costs, we will always fight for our clients to ensure they are protected and receive the right settlement for them. It is therefore essential that anyone bringing a mesothelioma claim only instructs a lawyer who deals with these claims every day and who has the specialist knowledge and expertise required.
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Why Hodge Jones & Allen? We have an excellent reputation for dealing with and being successful in asbestos related claims. Our specialist skills and experience are widely recognised by legal and medical professionals, support groups and charities. By choosing Hodge Jones & Allen solicitors to deal with your asbestos disease claim, you will have direct access to dedicated and accredited lawyers who specialise in these cases and who will handle your claim in a sensitive manner from start to finish. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, personal and professional service. We will always put your needs and interests first. Why Hodge Jones & Allen Solicitors? asbestos related claims. Our specialist skills and experience are widely recognised by legal and medical professionals, support groups and charities. By choosing Hodge Jones & Allen solicitors to deal with your asbestos disease claim, you will have direct access to dedicated and accredited lawyers who specialise in these cases and who will handle your claim in a sensitive manner from start to finish. We pride ourselves on providing a friendly, personal and professional service. We will always put your needs and interests first.
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What our clients say...
“I would like to express my thanks for the efforts you and your team have put in to obtain this most satisfactory result. Your advice and negotiations have been most welcome. I would not hesitate in using your services again or recommend you to others.” “ I am so grateful to you for all your great help and assistance over such a sad and difficult matter. Your kindness to both my husband and myself together with your expertise is greatly admired and appreciated.” “ “I am so grateful to you for all your great help and assistance over such a sad and difficult matter. Your kindness to both my husband and myself together with your expertise is greatly admired and appreciated.” “ Thank you for the news. I am pleased Tim and I will not have to endure more upset going to court over this very sad matter. I thank you for your expertise and great effort on our behalf. You are so good as well as very kind to us and I am truly grateful to you.” “Thank you for the news. I am pleased Tim and I will not have to endure more upset going to court over this very sad matter. I thank you for your expertise and great effort on our behalf. You are so good as well as very kind to us and I am truly grateful to you.” “ Thank you so much. I was a complete mess when you took me on. I have recovered to some extent and, with the money, at least that part of my worries are solved. So thank you with all my heart.” “ We would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for the kindness, patience and professionalism extended to us over the last year. The amount of money awarded to Terry for his mesothelioma is life changing “We would like to say a big thank you to you and your team for the kindness, patience and professionalism extended to us over the last year. The amount of money awarded to Terry for his mesothelioma is life changing to say the least, and this is all due to you all at HJA. Thank you again and our best wishes to you all.” to say the least, and this is all due to you all at HJA. Thank you again and our best wishes to you all.” “Thank you so much. I was a complete mess when you took me on. I have recovered to some extent and, with the money, at least that part of my worries are solved. So thank you with all my heart.” “I would like to express my thanks for the efforts you and your team have put in to obtain this most satisfactory result. Your advice and negotiations have been most welcome. I would not hesitate in using your services again or recommend you to others.”
London Asbestos Support Awareness Group
We work closely with The London Asbestos Support Awareness Group, which was founded in 2016 and which provides advice and support to those affected by mesothelioma and other asbestos related diseases. The charity operates throughout London and South East England providing home support to victims of asbestos diseases and their families and by organising local support group meetings across the region. The Group’s Support Workers are very experienced in supporting sufferers of asbestos related diseases and understand the impact these conditions have upon individuals and their families, both physically and psychologically. The Group’s services are free and they can be contacted via their Freephone telephone number of 0808 278 2515 . Like all charities, The London Asbestos Support Awareness Group relies upon charitable donations. Should you wish to make a donation, please visit their website www.lasag.org .
Freephone Helpline: 0808 278 2515
Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital Charity (LHCH Charity) We work closely with LHCH Charity who support Liverpool Heart and Chest Hospital, one of the leading specialist heart and lung hospitals in the UK. For those living with lung disease LHCH is locally, regionally and nationally recognised as a centre of excellence and houses one of the largest thoracic units in the UK. It has multi-awarding winning Community Respiratory Services caring for people with COPD, Asthma and Interstitial Lung Disease. It is also home to the regional adult Cystic Fibrosis unit, one of the largest in the country with an international reputation for CF research and hosts the Cheshire and Merseyside Health and Care Partnership Respiratory Improvement Programme which drives respiratory improvement across the region. Surgically we have one of the largest minimally invasive thoracic surgery programmes in the UK dealing primarily with lung cancers (either primary or secondary) as well as working with medical colleagues for the treatment of malignant mesothelioma (mainly caused by exposure to asbestos which is particularly relevant to Liverpool and its historic links to the shipbuilding industry). LHCH Charity supports this work in any way that it can from providing a new tele-medicine service so that those who had to shield during the pandemic could still access the care that they needed via a computer – to providing a mobile spirometry unit which will be taken out into our communities to give people the opportunity to have their lungs tested without having to come into hospital.
Supporting LHCH Charity Like all charities LHCH Charity relies on donations. Should you wish to make a donation please visit their website at www.lhchcharity.org.uk
Other ways to get support: Merseyside Asbestos support offer a free and confidential service to victims of asbestos visit their website at www.mavsg.org For those living in Cheshire you can reach out to Cheshire Asbestos Victims Support Group at www.cavsg.com
MEET OUR NATIONAL ASBESTOS & MESOTHELIOMA SPECIALIST SOLICITORS
PARTNER ISOBEL LOVETT ilovett@hja.net
PARTNER LORNA WEBSTER lwebster@hja.net
PARTNER LYNDSEY GORDON-WEBB lgordonwebb@hja.net
Contact us today and one of our legal experts will get in touch.
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0808 291 1557
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