You are in: Home Page | News Desk | News Story


9th May 2007

Increase in number of people who have died from mesothelioma

Asbestos Related Disease

Shocking new statistics unveiled by the Health and Safety Executive show an increase in the number of people who have died from the asbestos cancer mesothelioma.

The figures released this week show more than 2,000 North East people died from the disease from 1985 to 2004.

The figure is increased from 1701 deaths from 1981 to 2000.

Additionally the statistics from the Mesothelioma Register show more women than ever are affected by the disease with 251 deaths during the period compared to 216.

Head of Asbestos Policy

Ian McFall, Head of asbestos policy at Thompsons Solicitors, said: "These figures once again highlight the devastation asbestos has inflicted on people in the North East. Many of those affected worked in shipyards, factories or building sites and were given no protection or warning about the risks of asbestos exposure despite their employers being fully aware of the dangers.

"Although shocking, these figures come as no surprise given the widespread use of asbestos in the past. Sadly, the number of people who will die from this disease will continue to rise until 2020."

Mesothelioma

Mesothelioma is caused by exposure to asbestos dust and symptoms can first appear decades after the asbestos dust was inhaled. Many who are diagnosed with the disease die within months.

The figures show 1086 people in Tyne & Wear died from mesothelioma during 1985 to 2004, up from 932 during 1981 to 2000.

The number of deaths in Teesside rose from 320 to 424 during the same time period.

The new figures are available at
http://www.hse.gov.uk/statistics/pdf/mesomortality6804.pdf.

Compensation Claim Advice

If you or someone you know has developed mesothelioma or any other asbestos related disease, telephone us now for accurate claim advice.

There are strict time limits in place to make any injury claim. For further information, contact us or visit our Questions Answered page.

Thompsons Solicitors are experts in all personal injury matters. We will be able to advise you whether or not you have a valid claim for compensation. Our specialist personal injury lawyers will be happy to talk you through the process of making a claim in plain English and will be happy to answer any questions or queries you may have. If you do have a valid personal injury compensation claim and you decide to instruct Thompsons Solicitors to deal with the matter for you, we will recover our legal fees from the person responsible for your injury, ensuring that the entire procedure is cost-free for you. Telephone us now on 08000 224 224 or complete one of our online compensation claim form.