Mesothelioma: Legal claims and your rights in Ireland

3 minute read

What is Mesothelioma?

Mesothelioma is a rare and aggressive cancer primarily caused by exposure to asbestos, a mineral once widely used in various industries for its heat-resistant properties.

Despite regulations limiting asbestos use over the years, mesothelioma cases continue to emerge due to the long latency period of the disease, which can take decades to develop after exposure.

Mesothelioma affects the mesothelium, a protective lining covering the lungs, abdomen, heart and other organs. The most common form is pleural mesothelioma, which affects the lining of the lungs.

Symptoms of mesothelioma

According to the Irish Cancer Society, symptoms of mesothelioma include:

• Breathing problems
• Chest pain on one side
• Persistent coughing
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty swallowing
• Weight loss
• Tiredness
• Hoarseness
• Sweating and fevers

Unfortunately symptoms typically appear in advanced stages, making early diagnosis challenging.

Making a mesothelioma compensation claim in Ireland

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can lead to an industrial disease claim. If you or a member of your family have received a diagnosis and you believe the cause is exposure to asbestos, then the first thing you should do is speak to a specialist legal professional.

Companies that manufactured, distributed or used asbestos-containing products may be held liable for exposing individuals to the dangerous mineral. Employers, product manufacturers and property owners who failed to warn about or protect against asbestos exposure can be pursued for negligence.

Our mesothelioma claims solicitors will pursue compensation on your behalf

Although no amount of money can ever fully repair the damage to your health, mesothelioma compensation can provide essential financial stability for you and your family.

A mesothelioma claim may include:

• General Damages: Compensation for pain and suffering loss of enjoyment of life, and overall impact on your quality of life.
• Treatment & Care: Reimbursement for medical expenses (both past and future), travel costs for medical treatments, expenses for care and assistance and costs for medical equipment or home modifications.
• Loss of Earnings: Compensation for both past and future lost wages, including loss of pension benefits.
• Funeral Expenses: If the claim is made on behalf of the deceased, covering the costs of the funeral.
• Dependency: For cases where the injured party has passed away, covering the loss of financial support and services previously provided by the deceased.
• Legal Costs: Coverage for legal fees and court costs incurred in pursuing the claim.

The limitation period for making a mesothelioma claim in Ireland

You must initiate a claim as soon as possible after diagnosis with mesothelioma. Irish law states that legal proceedings must be issued within 2 years of the injured party’s date of knowledge of having the disease.

Even though you may have contracted the disease many years ago, the 2 year limitation period begins from when you became aware of the illness following diagnosis by a healthcare professional.

Contact Augustus Cullen Law for specialist legal support relating to mesothelioma

Facing a mesothelioma diagnosis is overwhelming, but consulting with us to discuss your legal options can provide some relief. By pursuing compensation, you can secure the financial resources needed to cover medical expenses, other incidental costs and support your family.

We are here to support you in taking a crucial step toward protecting your rights and obtaining the justice you deserve.

If you require legal advice, you can learn more about our services at Industrial Disease Claims, or Contact Us to arrange an initial consultation.

In contentious business, a solicitor may not calculate fees or other charges as a percentage or proportion of any award or settlement.

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