Yes, you may still be able to claim compensation for mesothelioma even if your exposure to asbestos happened decades ago. In fact, this is common with mesothelioma claims because the disease can take many years to develop following exposure to asbestos.

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If you have recently been diagnosed with mesothelioma, you should seek specialist legal advice as soon as possible. Edwards Duthie Shamash‘s experienced asbestos claims solicitors can investigate your employment history, identify potential sources of asbestos exposure and advise whether you may be entitled to compensation.

Why Can Mesothelioma Develop Decades After Asbestos Exposure?

Mesothelioma is an asbestos-related cancer that can develop many years after someone was exposed to asbestos. This long latency period means that a person diagnosed today may have been exposed during their working life several decades ago.

Historic asbestos exposure was particularly common in industries such as construction, manufacturing, engineering, shipbuilding and other workplaces where asbestos-containing materials were used.

You may not remember exactly when you were exposed to asbestos, or even realise at the time that the material was dangerous. This does not necessarily prevent you from making a claim.

Can I Claim If My Asbestos Exposure Happened 30 or 40 Years Ago?

Potentially, yes. The fact that your asbestos exposure occurred 30, 40 or even more years ago does not automatically mean that you cannot claim compensation.

A specialist solicitor will look at the circumstances surrounding your exposure, including your previous employment, the work you carried out and the businesses you worked for. They may also investigate historical records and insurance information to establish who could be responsible.

It is important not to assume that a claim is impossible simply because your exposure happened a long time ago.

How Do I Prove Where I Was Exposed to Asbestos?

You may be able to support a mesothelioma claim using evidence about your previous employment and working conditions. This could include employment records, information about the premises where you worked, details of the materials you encountered and statements from former colleagues.

You do not necessarily need to remember every detail of your asbestos exposure yourself. Experienced asbestos claims solicitors can investigate your work history and help establish where exposure may have occurred.

Edwards Duthie Shamash can also investigate potential claims where businesses have changed ownership, ceased trading or where the relevant insurer is not immediately known.

Is There a Time Limit for Making a Mesothelioma Claim?

There are legal time limits for personal injury claims, but asbestos-related claims can be different from claims arising from a single accident. This is because someone may not know that they have an asbestos-related illness, or that their illness was caused by asbestos exposure, until many years after the exposure occurred.

In many cases, the three-year limitation period runs from the date of diagnosis or the date when you became aware, or ought reasonably to have become aware, of the connection between your illness and another party’s actions. There can be exceptions, so you should obtain specialist legal advice rather than assume that you are out of time.

For further information, see our guide to asbestos and mesothelioma claims.

What If I Cannot Remember My Former Employer?

This does not necessarily prevent you from making a claim. A specialist asbestos solicitor can investigate your employment history and other available evidence to establish where you may have been exposed.

Even if the company you worked for no longer exists, there may be historical records or insurance information that can help identify the organisation responsible for your exposure.

The important thing is to seek advice rather than assume that too much time has passed or that the relevant evidence no longer exists.

Speak to Our Mesothelioma Claims Solicitors Today

A diagnosis of mesothelioma can be devastating, particularly when the asbestos exposure that caused the illness may have happened decades ago. However, the passage of time does not necessarily prevent you from making a compensation claim. Specialist legal advice can help you understand your options and establish whether you may be entitled to compensation.

At Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors, our experienced asbestos and mesothelioma claims solicitors can investigate your employment history, identify where your asbestos exposure may have occurred and trace potentially responsible employers and insurers. We will guide you through the claims process with clear, practical and compassionate advice.

We understand that making a claim following a mesothelioma diagnosis can feel daunting. Our team will explain your options, including whether a No-Win No-Fee arrangement may be available in your circumstances.

If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with mesothelioma following historic asbestos exposure, contact Edwards Duthie Shamash Solicitors on 020 8514 9035 or complete our online contact form to discuss your potential claim.

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