FFW report deaths from asbestos-related mesothelioma continue to rise

Evidence from Field Fisher Waterhouse supports the latest figures from the latest figures from the British Mesothelioma Register which shows that deaths caused by mesothelioma, a cancer of the lining of the lungs caused by exposure to asbestos, is continuing to rise.

The Asbestos Claims Department at law firm, Field Fisher Waterhouse LLP, has been recovering compensation for victims of mesothelioma for 25 years. The statistics confirm the rise that the team's lawyers have seen reflected in their caseload over the years.

The figures show that the number of deaths caused by mesothelioma have risen from 153 in 1968, to 1969 deaths in 2004, with the majority of deaths occurring in men. The figures suggest that the peak in mesothelioma mortality in this country may occur in the next few years.

The figures show that the geographical areas associated with the highest mesothelioma mortality are those associated with industries which in the past were responsible for high levels of exposure to asbestos.

Andrew Morgan, partner in the Asbestos Compensation Claims Department at Field Fisher Waterhouse, said:

"These national figures confirm our experience that mesothelioma deaths are continuing to rise. They show that we have not yet reached the peak in mesothelioma mortality. Since Field Fisher Waterhouse began working on these cases 25 years ago we have seen cases increase from around 200 a year to figures in the region of 2000 a year. Whilst these figures may not increase much over the next few years they will not fall to low levels again for perhaps 20 years or more."

Those most commonly affected by asbestos diseases include individuals who worked with asbestos-containing materials, such as laggers, pipe-fitters and carpenters, however over the years Andrew and the Asbestos Compensation Claims Department have seen a significant increase in the number of claims from people who were exposed secondarily to asbestos. This includes those whose relatives brought home asbestos on contaminated overalls or who were not in direct contact with asbestos themselves but worked alongside colleagues who did have direct contact with the substance. In addition, Field Fisher Waterhouse has acted on behalf of varied professionals such as doctors, nurses and teachers who in turn developed mesothelioma after having been exposed to asbestos at work.

Last year alone the Asbestos Claims Department recovered over £10 million in compensation for victims in 87 successful cases. Since the Department was set up, the firm has recovered over £106 million in more than 1800 successful asbestos claims.

Reference:Andrew Morgan