Asbestosis is a fibrosis (scarring) of the lungs caused by heavy levels of asbestos dust exposure. The term asbestosis is sometimes used as a term for other asbestos conditions but medically this is incorrect. Asbestosis usually develops 20 years or more after exposure to asbestos but it can develop sooner where someone has been exposed to very high levels of asbestos dust.
Asbestosis can remain stable for many years causing little disability, but it is usually a progressive disease which can cause increasing breathlessness and coughing as it develops. Typically the more dust to which you have been exposed, the more extensive the disease.
Patients with asbestosis are also at an increased risk of developing other asbestos related illnesses. This risk usually arises from the exposure to asbestos rather than the presence of asbestosis itself, although asbestosis has been linked with the development of lung cancer. Where appropriate, our specialist team will endeavour to settle asbestosis claims with an agreement in place to ensure that patients can return to court for a further pay-out in the unfortunate event that these risks materialise.